Ruth M. Sokolowski, 96, of the Martin Luther Home, Clinton and formerly of North Utica, passed away Monday March 10, 2008, at the home, with her family at her side. Ruth was born in Utica, NY, on December 18, 1911, the daughter of Frank and Lottie (Haas) Cookinham. Ruth was educated in Utica Schools. On December 18, 1941 in St. Peter's Church, North Utica, Ruth married Bernard Sokolowski, a blessed union of 16 years until his unexpected passing in 1957. At one time Ruth was employed with the Utica Mutual Insurance Company. She was a member of St. Peter's Church, North Utica, and a former member of the Altar and Rosary Society. Ruth was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, whose happiest times were those spent with her family. Ruth had a true appreciation for the simple things in life. At home Ruth enjoyed spending time in her yard, working in her garden, baking, visiting with neighbors and admiring her favorite red bird, the cardinal. Ruth is survived by her four children, Thomas and Joan Marie Sokolowski, Fred and Linda Sokolowski, Patricia and Michael Dale Strife and Edward Sokolowski, all of North Utica; eleven grandchildren and spouses, Mark and Tammie Sokolowski, Deerfield, Matthew and Shelly Sokolowski, Utica, Jeffrey and Lisa Sokolowski, Tarrytown, NY, Jodi and Gary Heenan, Westmoreland, Michele and Eric Enos, Oriskany, Stephen and Elizabeth Strife, North Utica, Kevin Strife, Utica, Rose Sokolowski and her fiancée Aaron Cidzik, Utica, Ruth Sokolowski, Deerfield, Rachael and Mary Sokolowski, North Utica; seven great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Anthony, Dean, Brad and Bryan Sokolowski, Ryan and Matthew Enos; and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was predeceased by three sisters, Edith Cookinham, Marion Haas and Dorothy Goulson; and three brothers, Harold Richards, Howard and Roy Cookinham. Mrs. Sokolowski's funeral will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 9:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Road, North Utica, and 10:00 from St. Peter's Church, North Utica. A spring burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery, North Utica. Calling hours at the funeral home are Wednesday (today) from 4-7. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ruth's name to the Martin Luther Home, Clinton, NY. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family would like to thank the staff of the Mapleview Unit of the Martin Luther Home, especially, Cindy and Robyn for all the kindness and care extended to Ruth.