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Ruth Marie Racey (nee Atkinson) – Passed away peacefully in her 95th year, April 4, 2024 at Kingston General Hospital with family by her side. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends at Oxford Gardens, The Church of the Epiphany, and throughout the Woodstock area. Ruth will be reunited with her husband Frank Racey at Oxford Memorial Park Cemetery in Woodstock.
Ruth was born February 21, 1930 in Chatham Ontario to Douglas James Atkinson and Gladys Pearl Atkinson (Burke). Her father died when she was 6 years old and she grew up in a single-parent family with brothers Donald, Jack and Richard. Hardship cultivated a strong, resourceful and supportive character. She met the love of her life, Joseph Norman Francis Racey, in Blenheim where he was teaching school. They were married August 16th, 1950 and shared a long, strong and loving relationship. Her mother, and stepfather Gerald Clemens had been married 2 months earlier. Ruth and Frank delayed their wedding to accommodate her mother’s wedding. Ruth and Frank found their way to Woodstock Ontario in 1951, became long-time residents, raised their family of three boys, and were active at New St. Paul’s Anglican Church (The Church of the Epiphany).
In her teen years she balanced school and work and still found the time to demonstrate her talent in oil painting. Later she was active in the Eastern Star and was Worthy Matron of the Khaki Chapter #27 (1965-1966) when the Chapter celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Ruth was active with the Anglican Church Women and was the local President in 1970.
Ruth was the family councillor, accountant, event planner and CEO for the Racey family and provided a stabilizing influence through times of plenty and adversity. She was a loving, willing and enthusiastic partner to Frank’s adventures and an accomplished canoe partner. Ruth and Frank were truly best friends and cherished each other’s company. She cultivated a strong, stable and supportive family environment, traits recognized and appreciated by all three sons. An accomplished Scrabble, crossword, euchre and cribbage player, she took great pride when she could share these pleasures with Frank, her children and more recently with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ruth was outgoing with family, friends and neighbours and knew and followed the lives of the childhood friends of her children. In later years, as a resident of Oxford Gardens in Woodstock for 7 wonderful years, she blossomed, enjoying with friends the wide range of organized activities, especially mini-golf and crafts. She stayed fit, helped organize activities and helped new residents get settled. Of great joy and amusement to her family, she took up pool for the first time in her life and received as a gift her own personal cue which she commanded with authority. In January 2024, Ruth relocated to the Normandy Retirement Residence in Kingston to be nearer to and receive frequent visits from family. We gratefully thank those who provided excellent care at the Normandy Retirement Residence and Kingston General Hospital.
Ruth is predeceased by Frank Racey, her loving husband of 66 years, and her brothers Donald and Jack Atkinson. She is survived by her younger brother Richard Atkinson. Ruth and Frank were supportive and loving parents to three sons and their spouses; Thomas Racey (Penny Stewart), Gerald Racey (Janet), and Alan Racey (Kim Burley). Ruth was proud grandmother to Erin Banton (Racey) (Scott), Ian Racey (Robyn), Brian Racey (Jennifer), Sarai Racey (Glenn Kisman) and Jordan Racey (Alissa), and great-grandmother to Paige and William Banton, Ethan Racey, Rowan and Angus Kisman and Wyatt and Parker Racey.
Guests will be received on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the SMITH-LeROY FUNERAL HOME, 69 Wellington St. North, Woodstock, ON, between 10 – 10:45 p.m. A Service of Remembrance for Ruth will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 a.m. Followed by a Reception. A private family Internment will take place.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Nature Conservancy Canada, Arthritis Society of Canada or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Personal condolences may be shared at www.smithleroy.com
Thursday April 4th 2024
Death notice for the town of: Woodstock, Province: Ontario
death notice Ruth RACEY
obituaries notice Ruth RACEY
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Ruth RACEY and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
