David S. Ring 1915 - 2007

RING, LEWIS, SHEPHERD

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/7/2014 at 10:52:55

Mapleton Press
2 August 2007

Great-nephew of early Mapleton settler killed in auto accident

David S. Ring, great-nephew of William L. Ring, an early settler in the Maple Valley, died Sunday, July 22, 2007, in Florida as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Mr. Ring's interest in the Mapleton Ring House project and his encouragement of his family members led his family to donate several family heirlooms to the permanent collection of the William L. Ring House.

Mr. Ring was a resident of Milmetto, Florida for 14 years. He was born June 17, 1915 in Waltham, Massachusetts, the son of David Stoutenburgh Ring and Elizabeth Ellen Lewis. When Mr. Ring was a year old his father died of the Spanish Flu. His mother then brought him to his grandparents farm and orchard in Pleasant Valley, New York as their new home. There, Mr. Ring grew up learning the skills of farming and operating apple orchards.

In 1955, Mr. Ring inherited the farm which he continued to operate, increasing its size over time. In 1962, he discontinued the orchard business and entered the real estate business, operating an agency for 30 years. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Ring retired and moved to Florida.

On November 4, 1939, he was married to Ruth Arlene Shepherd, who predeceased him on January 3, 2006.

In Tune of 2006, David Ring spent several days visiting Mapleton. This was the first visit of a Ring family member to Mapleton in over 100 years. During his visit David toured the Maple Valley area and saw the historic Ring family sites. On his final evening in Mapleton he was honored by the Ring House Committee at a reception held in the Ring House. During the reception David's 91st birthday was also celebrated. In recognition of David's contributions to the Ring House and the preservation of our history, Mapleton's mayor presented David with a Key to the City and declared him an honorary citizen of Mapleton.

Mr. Ring was an aviation enthusiast and was a pilot for many years including into his late 80s. He had his own air-plane and operated out of his own airstrip adjacent to the orchard and farm. The family enjoyed trips on the airplane, even if only to go to eat in a restaurant. Mr. Ring has accumulated a large circle of friends and business associates through his long life and many ventures.

One year after his visit, reflecting on the time spent in Mapleton, David wrote, "(I) have wonderful memories of Mapleton and the great American style of its people. This is an ideal place to call home. Great Uncle William's home is an example of the care and pride of the community..."

David Ring was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, and one son Lewis Ring who died in 1982.

Mr. Ring is survived by a son, Stuart Ring of Red Hook, New York; Mrs. Elaine Ring of Rhinebeck, New York, widow of his son, Lewis; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in New York at a later date.

Cards may be sent to Stuart Ring, 30 Starbarrack Rd., Red Hook, New York 12571; and Elaine Ring, 48 Overlook Drive, Rhinebeck, New York 12572.