Ruth A. Harker

Ruth A. Harker, 94, formerly of Upper Saddle River, quietly passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Born on April 19, 1932 in Elmwood, Illinois as Della Mae Bridson. Ruth was a cherished daughter of Ruth R. Sweetnam and Clarence F. Bridson.  After her mother died a few years later, Ruth was adopted by Thomas C. Harker and her late Aunt Lavina S. Harker who was the late sister of Ruth R. Sweetnam.  Ruth Harker is the last of Clarence and Ruth's four children who have died - Frank, Thomas and Betty.  Ruth grew up in Peoria, Illinois, and after living in many parts of the United States, settled in Upper Saddle River in 1970 with her adopted daughter, Paige H. Naylor. Ruth led a successful career in the cosmetic industry, commuting to and from New York City before she started a retail store, The Little Apple, in Saddle River. Ruth fell in love with the sleepy town of Upper Saddle River.  She loved plants and served as the Shade Tree Commissioner for many years. She also served her community as a County Commissioner, and worked for the Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority.  She was well known in the community, and to family and friends for her beauty, charisma, positivity and independence. She is survived by her daughter, Paige H. Naylor, two grand boys, and four (soon to be five) great grandchildren.  Ruth's ashes will be buried in both the Chilicothe City and Brimfield cemeteries in Illinois, joining her biological and adoptive parents. 

A celebration of Ruth's life will be held in private.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ruth's memory to Tunnels to Towers Foundation (https://www.t2t.org) or plant a tree.

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