Obit: Ruth Woodruff Kennedy

Ruth Woodruff Kennedy of Ransomville, in her 100th year, died Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013, at her residence under the loving care of her daughter, Ann, and Niagara Hospice.

Ruth was born July 23, 1913, in Albion, the daughter of the late Howard and Leda (Ganung) Woodruff. She received an associate degree from the Canton, NY Agricultural & Technical Institute. Ruth married John Earl Kennedy on Dec. 27, 1941 and they moved to Ransomville from Batavia in 1950. In 1948 Ruth established a dealership for Stanley Home Products and conducted her business for the next 67 years.

She was a former member of the Albion United Methodist Church and has been a member of the Ransomville United Methodist for the past 63 years and a member of its United Methodist Women's Group. Ruth was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter No. 374 Ransomville and a member of its social club; a member of the Kiawahn Council No. 10, Universal Craftsman Council of Engineers; a founder and past president of the Ransomville Garden Club; a member of the Ransomville Rural Retirees; and a member of the Sorority of the Canton, NY A&TI. She enjoyed traveling to North Carolina to visit her son and his family. The most important treasures of Ruth's life were her family and friends.

Ruth's husband, John, predeceased her in 1999. She is survived by a daughter, Ann H. Kennedy of Ransomville; a son, Richard J. (Becky Gray) Kennedy of Celo, N.C.; her grandchildren, Katelin and Ian Kennedy; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, John "Jack" H. Kennedy; five brothers, Emery, Clayton, Gerald, Victor, and Raymond Woodruff; and two nephews, Robert and Donald Woodruff.

Visitation and an Eastern Star Service took place Thursday at Hardison Funeral Home in Ransomville. A memorial service was held Friday in the Ransomville United Methodist Church, Ransomville, with the Rev. Matthew Worley officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Ransomville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 250, Ransomville, NY 14131. Visit www.hardisonfuneralhomes.com for online registry.