Ruth E. Gaffney, 101, of Utica, passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at her home with her family by her side. Ruth was born April 12, 1910, in Ogdensburg, NY, the daughter of Roy and Elizabeth Sperbeck. She was raised and educated in Ogdensburg. In 1933, she married Arthur Dorrance Bridgeman and moved to Clark Mills where her daughter, Jacquelyn, was born. Arthur Bridgeman predeceased Ruth after a long illness. Ruth went on to graduate from the Utica School of Commerce. She worked as a legal secretary at a law firm, which is where she met her husband-to-be, John E. Gaffney. When Mr. Gaffney left to open his own practice, Ruth went with him The couple were married on December 12, 1959. Mr. Gaffney passed away in 1998. Ruth had many interests. She was an avid reader from the time she was a child until her passing. She enjoyed her soap operas, becoming a fan when she listened to them on the radio and continuing to watch them on TV regularly. She also enjoyed playing bridge, but most of all, Ruth lived for her family. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Utica. Ruth is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Jacquelyn and Carl Cochi, New Hartford, Joann and Tony LaMacchia, Alabama, Mary Gangi, Lockport, NY; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Dr. Richard Gaffney and Diana Larson, Syracuse, Michael and Mary-Anne Gaffney, Sauquoit. She is also survived by 12 cherished grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Besides her husband, Ruth is predeceased by a brother, Lowell Sperbeck. Mrs. Gaffney's funeral will take place on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 11:30 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Utica, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment, in St. Mary's Cemetery, Clayville, will take place at the convenience of the family. In keeping with Ruth's wishes, there are no calling hours. Those wishing to do so may donate to a charity of their choice in Ruth's memory.