Ruth Ann Willey

Ruth Ann Toay Willey, 81, of Jamestown, ND, received her angel wings on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at Eventide Jamestown where she had resided since July 2014.

Ruth was born March 3, 1934 to Sylvester and Ruth (English) Toay in Jamestown, North Dakota where she was raised on the farm south of Jamestown. She graduated from St. John’s Academy in 1952. Ruth attended St. Joseph School of Nursing at Grand Forks and North Dakota University. Ruth never completed nurses training due to health issues.

Ruth met Ernest “Red” Willey when they were working at the North Dakota State Hospital. Red unlocked the door one day for her and it was love at first sight. They were married July 14, 1955 in Jamestown where they made their home.

Ruth worked at the North Dakota State Hospital for 28 ½ years. She also worked part time at Trinity Hospital and Central Dakota Nursing Home. Ruth was extremely talented in the arts and had an eye for detail. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, wood carving, painting, ceramics, and her flower gardens. She owned and operated “Ruth’s Firing Pit” for years in her home.

She retired from the North Dakota State Hospital. After retirement she and Red spent their winters in Texas.

She was a member of the St. James Basilica and the Roaming Buffalo Camping Club with whom she enjoyed camping.

Ruth is survived by her husband Red, 3 sons and 3 daughters; Leonard (Cynthia) Willey, Jamestown, Dennis Willey, Texas, Patrick (Carla) Willey, Ypsilanti, Mary Susan (John) O’Meara, Jamestown, Olive (Gary) Eldevik, Aberdeen, South Dakota, Roxanne Willey, Jamestown. Brother Pat Toay, Mora, Minnesota, 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren with another expected this summer.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Leo Toay and sister, Mary Klose.

Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 25, 2015 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown, with Father Sean Mulligan officiating.

Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Jamestown.

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