Ruth Ryan

Ruth Marie (Kelly) Ryan of Nanuet, New York formerly from Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 100 years and 9 months. She is reunited in heaven with her husband, William Francis, Sr., son, William Francis, Jr., and her daughter-in-law, Marta Elizabeth.

She is survived by her brother, Warren Kelly and her five children, Elizabeth Oberheim, Thomas, Matthew, David and Mark and her loving in-laws, Henry Oberheim, Bernadette and Raymond Garguilo, Rosemary, Mary Ann, Victoria and Jan.

She was deeply loved by all of her 18 grandchildren: Christopher (Sheri), Keith (Wendy), Sharon (Farooq), Mary Ellen (Eddie), Craig (Sarah), Kathryn (Scott), Kerry (Pete), Thomas Ryan, Jr., Kelly (Diego), Sean (Rina), Kaitlyn, Ashley (Mike), Cathleen, Zachary (Mary Rose), Meaghan, Vitaliy (Michelle), Tara (Ian) and Tommy.

She was adored by her 11 great-grandchildren: Isabel, Keeley, William, Abigail, Arianna, Kiera, Ryan, Liam, Casey, Cameron and her newest, great-grandson, Lucas. She was cherished by her many nieces and nephews.

Ruth was born on May 23, 1920 in Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY to Joseph Henry and Ellen Martha (Spaulding) Kelly. She had an older sister, Edna, three older brothers, Joseph, Walter and Erwin. She is survived by her younger brother, Warren. She completed high school along with William “Bill” Ryan and she would not marry him unless he earned his high school degree. She married Bill on August 8, 1943 while Bill was on leave from the Army. Her mother made all of her clothes and even made her wedding dress. She loved being a homemaker and raising her six children. Some of her hobbies included needle point and crocheting. She baked an incredible cheesecake and brownies. She also was an avid Scrabble player who was very hard to beat even as she continued to play into her 90’s. She participated in a book club with her Senior Center which she attended a couple of times a week. Our family celebrated every Christmas together in Red Hook and later at Elizabeth and Henry Oberheim’s home. The Kelly Family Picnic was a treasured gathering every September.

Throughout her life, she only lived in two homes, 104 King Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York and Nanuet, New York. She always lived with her son, David and then, her lovely daughter-in-law, Victoria. Dave and Victoria were dedicated to Ruth and did everything for her day in and day out. All her children gave so much to her. Elizabeth, Henry, Tom, Matt, Dave and Mark would take her to doctors’ appointments, visit her, host her in their homes, call her regularly and most importantly, made her laugh.

Ruth will be remembered by her family for always being there. She attended baby showers, bridal showers, communions, confirmations, weddings, funerals and graduation ceremonies. She loved supporting each and every family member. She taught her family to support one another no matter any differences they may have. We will continue this legacy by continuing her love, support and presence with each other as she did for all of us. She was loved and cherished by her entire family. She was always enormously grateful for whatever you did for her. We miss her already.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to Sloan Kettering, which she avidly supported after her husband Bill passed away.