Ruth (Hillebrenner) Konefal, known for her warm and welcoming heart, was deeply cherished for her kindness, understanding, and profound love for her family. At the age of 81, Ruth passed away on August 30, 2024, after a courageous battle with end-stage kidney disease. She was surrounded by her loved ones in her home on Wanaksink Lake in Rock Hill, NY. Her memory will be forever treasured by all who knew her.

Ruth was born on January 11, 1943, in Oceanside, New York, to Karl and Paula (Lofflath) Hillebrenner, originally from Bremerhaven and Neckargartach, Germany. Raised in Bellerose, NY, Ruth grew up surrounded by the rich traditions and culture of her German heritage, often shared by visiting friends and family who had emigrated to New York City. Her father, Karl, was a talented cabinet maker, and her mother, Paula, was a skilled needleworker and dedicated homemaker. Ruth cherished her German roots throughout her life, reflected in her fondness for German sayings, stories, cars and especially cleaning products. She was especially known for her skill in baking Hefekranz, a Bavarian treat she lovingly prepared for every family occasion, meticulously wrapping and shipping them to loved ones to enjoy.

Ruth graduated from Martin Van Buren High School in 1961 and began her career in New York City at Mutual Life Insurance of New York. Her adventurous spirit led her to Germany, where she spent cherished time with family and friends. Upon returning, Ruth’s independence shone through when she saved for and purchased her first convertible sports car—despite not yet knowing how to drive a standard. It was her future husband, John Konefal of Jamaica, Queens, who taught her to drive, beginning a journey they would take together. Ruth and John married in 1966 and created a loving home and family in Floral Park and Garden City South, NY. She was forever grateful for her Kilburn Road family of friends and neighbors.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Ruth was deeply proud of her academic achievements. She pursued higher education at Nassau Community College, where she earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in 1989 and obtained licensure as a Radiation Therapist with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Despite health challenges, Ruth graduated with honors as a member and officer of Phi Theta Kappa and valedictorian of her class. Her skill, empathy, and compassion led her to success within the profession for several years.

When Ruth’s health reached a critical point, she made the difficult decision to leave her career in Radiation Therapy and applied for a double lung transplant at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. After several years of waiting, Ruth and John received a life-changing call on the morning of January 8, 2003. Within 24 hours, Ruth was blessed with the gift of two healthy lungs—a miracle that extended her life by 21 years. She remained eternally grateful to her organ donor and the dedicated team of surgeons, doctors, and compassionate staff at Columbia Presbyterian’s lung transplant unit. These new lungs granted her the possibility of 21 more years of life, allowing her to know, love, and cherish her six grandchildren and to start a new chapter of life on Wanaksink Lake in Rock Hill, N.Y.

In the coming years Ruth was an avid reader and a talented watercolor artist, and also had a passion for collecting sweet treasures that brought her much happiness. She was a dedicated member of her twelve-step community and enjoyed traveling with her husband, John, and close family friends. She cruised the rivers of Europe, visited Great Britain, and annually returned with John to the beaches and friendships that they built together in their second home of Aruba. She enjoyed holidays and traditions with the cherished family of her children in New York and Massachusetts.

Ruth is predeceased by her parents, Paula (Lofflath) Hillebrenner and Karl Hillebrenner. She is survived by her devoted husband, John Konefal, of Rock Hill, NY; her loving son Michael, daughter-in-law Christine of New City, NY; her cherished daughter Kirsten Konefal, son-in-law John Diaz of Needham, MA; with six adoring grandchildren: Michael, Christian, Dylan, & Sofia Konefal and Lukas & Anya Diaz; and her beloved sister-in-law Barbara Skelley of Manchester, MD.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors, surgeons, nurses, and staff at the Columbia Presbyterian Lung Transplant Unit for the miracle they performed, granting Ruth an additional 21 years filled with joy and fulfillment. During these precious years, she delighted in her children’s marriages, the births of her grandchildren, and the warm inclusion of her beloved in-laws, Fran and Joe Cuccia, Adele and Wilfred Diaz, along with their extended families. Ruth cherished the large, loving family she had always desired. The exceptional care provided by the team, as well as the compassionate support from the staff of Orange and Sullivan County Hospice during Ruth’s final days, are profoundly appreciated by her family.

A memorial service to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held on Saturday, September 14th, 2024, at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to attend and share their memories of Ruth.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Ruth’s memory in a way that feels meaningful to you—whether it’s appreciating the beauty of nature, especially mushrooms, and hummingbirds, listening to the soothing sound of waves, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of reflection. Ruth’s love for the natural world was a constant throughout her life, and the family hopes that others find comfort in the same simple pleasures that brought her joy.

Arrangements are under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, 130 Highland Ave, Middletown, NY 845-343-6309.