Marilyn DeRuyter

Marilyn Chester DeRuyter passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 29 at the House of John in Clifton Springs.

Friends may call on Sunday (October 4, 2026) from 3-5pm at the Cheney Funeral Home 70 Main Street, Phelps.
Private burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery in Phelps

The family request the courtesy of no flowers. Donations can be made in memory of Marilyn to the House of John in Clifton Springs, NY or

A Midlakes High School scholarship was established in Marilyn's honor and donations to the Marilyn DeRuyter Inclusivity Award can be sent to Addie Klaehn at 3 Hillside Drive, Clifton Springs, NY 14432. (Please add the scholarship name to the memo.)

Marilyn was born November 28, 1950 and raised in Phelps, NY. She attended Phelps High School and was a member of the class of 1968. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Nazareth College and started her teaching career.

After teaching elementary and music education in the Buffalo area and around the Finger Lakes, Marilyn became a vocal music teacher at Midlakes Middle School in 1993 and later moved to the High School. Marilyn was the kind of teacher who provided a safe haven for students and formed lifelong friendships with many, opening her heart and her home. It was not uncommon for students to be at the dinner table or watching tv on the couch in her living room with her family.

Marilyn was a member of Spiritus Christi Church in Rochester, NY and enjoyed singing in the gospel choir for several years. She spent a lifetime engaging in community theatre and was well known as a performer throughout the Finger Lakes. After her retirement in 2006, Marilyn volunteered at the Phelps Historical Society and the House of John.

Marilyn was diagnosed with Corticobasal Syndrome in 2023 and experienced a decline in her overall health, but never lost her sense of humor or her joy for life. She enjoyed socializing with friends and family to the very end of her life.

Marilyn was predeceased by her parents and step-father; Virginia Walters, John Chester, and Donald Walters, and also her step-brother, Doug Walters.

Marilyn is survived by her loving partner and doting caregiver Mart VanKirk; former husband and forever friend Joseph DeRuyter; sister Cheryl (Teresa) Chester; children Aaron (Diane) DeRuyter, and Addie (Sam) Klaehn, and grandchildren: Adrean, Maxwell, Nolan, and Lily. Marilyn is also survived by her step-sisters, Michele Lohr and Cindy Hall.
Mart’s family: sisters Janet (Jim) VanKirk-Throne, Judy (John) VanKirk, Jim (Hedy) VanKirk, brother in law Dave Vittum; children Amy, Kelsey, and Tess, and granddaughter Chloe. Additionally, Marilyn is survived by two foreign exchange students who remained part of the family: Stefan Speidel and Sergio Torrejon.

Marilyn is also predeceased by Mart’s sister Jean Vittum. Marilyn is also survived by her dear friend Greg Barnard, several nieces and nephews and cousins, former students and close friends. She was beloved in every circle and will be missed by all who knew her.

Marilyn’s family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at the House of John for making her last days comfortable and caring so well for her family and friends.