Ruth Roberta (Williams) John

She was born on Feb. 14, 1931, in Jamestown, N.Y., and resided on both Seneca Nation of Indians Allegany and Cattaraugus Territories, the daughter of Lawrence Williams of Tuscarora Territory and Elizabeth (Bowen) Parker of SNI Allegany Territory.

She was a member of the Bear Clan. After attending the Red House School on the Allegany Territory, she was transferred to the Residential Thomas Indian School on the SNI Cattaraugus Territory, furthering her education at Buffalo State University. She became a certified linguist of the Seneca language in the early 70s and was one of the first to begin teaching, developing programs for instruction and preservation of the language for future generations.

Ruth was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her husband, Daniel John Sr. is predeceased.

She is survived by her children: Maurice John, James John (deceased), Helen Fourkiller, Carol (Brooks) Matsuhiro, Danita (John) Gorman, Denise (John) Wisniewski, Daniel John Jr. (deceased), Michael John, and Michele (John) Keyes as well as numerous grand, great-grand and great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday (October 28th, 2022) with funeral services on Saturday at 11:00 AM at the VanRensselaer & Son Funeral Home, 14 Church Street, Randolph, New York 14772. Burial will follow in the Hillside Haven Cemetery, Bunker Hill Road, Steamburg, NY with family and friends gathering for food and refreshments at the Coldspring Community Center. To leave condolence, log onto www.vanrensselaerandson funeralhome.com.