Ruth Agnes Furman

Ruth Furman passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026 at the age of 106 at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia where she was living with her daughter. Ruth was born in Johnson City, NY on July 28, 1919 to Rilla and John Handrick.

She was predeceased by her husbands, James H Blair [1949] and Rupert A Furman [1997].

She graduated from Johnson City High School [class of 1938] and Russell Sage College in 1942.

In 1954 she was hired by Thomas J Watson, President of IBM, to design and operate the IBM Children’s Club, one of the first corporate childcare facilities in the country. She concluded her teaching career in the 1980’s at Seaton Catholic High School.

She enjoyed merry-go-rounds, playing cards, traveling, her many friends at Hilltop Manor, her frequent trips to Tioga Downs Casino, and her nightly glass of wine.

She was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Johnson City.

She is survived by her children, Alan Blair and Sharon Blair Rieth; four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Services will be private. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount-Smith Mountain Lake.