Obituary of Ruby D. Besaw

GOUVERNEUR – Ruby D. Besaw, age 74, of Gouverneur, NY passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital in Potsdam. Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. followed by her funeral at 5:00 p.m. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Ruby was born on December 25, 1949 in Gouverneur, NY to the late Gerald and Genevieve (McPherson) Hartle. She attended Gouverneur Central School. On September 26, 1973, she married Henry A. "Hank" Besaw Sr. Hank passed away on October 16, 2023, shortly after the couple had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Ruby had worked as a waitress for Lynde's Dairy, the Clearview Restaurant and bartended at the American Legion. She also helped her husband with their farm for many years. Ruby was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was an avid bowler, enjoyed painting ceramics and doing puzzles and she made wedding cakes. She is survived by four children, Genny and Jeff Hall, Rubijo and George Mandigo, Jr., Henry "Hank" Jr. and Alyssa, and Darlene Besaw, her sisters, Roxy and Sterling Trimm, Loretta Barkley and Jerrilyn and Leonard Jesmer; her brothers, Ronald and Delores Hartle and Jerrilee and Tammy Hartle. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jordon Mandigo, Tristen Besaw, Brianna Bush, Joey Bush, Trevor Besaw, and Genecca Potter, step-grandchildren, Kendell Mandigo, Trina Aldridge, Katelyne Dye, Allyson Hall, and Brady Hall, great-grandchildren, Carley House, Ezra Besaw, Kinsley Mandigo, Carson Dye and Chloe Dye, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents; a sister, Shirley Simmons and five brothers, Rocky, Richard, Gerald, Percy and Dick Hartle. Donations in memory of Ruby may be made to Friends 4 Pound Paws, 55 Owl Road, Gouverneur NY 13642.