Ruth Whitney

On Friday October 9, 2020 Ruth May (Ratelle) Whitney passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Adirondack Health. She was born May 27, 1935 to Louise (Favro) Ratelle and Joseph Ratelle.

Ruth grew up in Saranac Lake, graduating in 1953. She married the love of her life, Lynn E. Whitney, Jr. of Lake Placid, NY on August 29, 1953. She took a job at Newberry’s on Main Street moving from there to work at the Shoe Factory. She also cleaned homes for many local residents and for four years sold Mason shoes. As a child, she enjoyed bowling and continued on as an adult. As an avid bowler show bowled on the women’s league and traveled to many state tournaments. She also started the Young American Bowlers Alliance. She enjoyed sharing her love of bowling with all the children. Other enjoyments in her life were ice skating, crafting, camping and her love of animals. Pictures were a huge part of her life and she took many and collected many over the years. She also had met many people camping over the years that had touched her life as well.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 67 years, Lynn Whitney of Lake Clear. Her three children: Valerie Whitney of Paulden, AZ. Gwen Whitney Willette of Argyle, NY and Ron (Janelle) Whitney of Columbus, OH. Ten grandchildren: Nicole Christy, Cory (Vica) Christy, Desiree Whitney, Shane (Cayti) Willette, Caleb Whitney, Laci Willette, Kenan (Beth Ann) Whitney, Levi Whitney, Malachi (Hannah) Whitney and Josie Whitney. Six great grandchildren: Rylan Christy, Leo and Brayden Christy and Tyler, Jackson and Logan Willette. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ruth was predeceased by her mother and father and her brother Joseph Ratelle, Jr.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church Street, Saranac Lake, NY. Calling hours are scheduled for Wednesday October 14, 2020 from 2 to 4pm and 5 to 7pm at the Funeral Home. A funeral service will be celebrated on Thursday October 15, 2020 at 1:00pm at the First United Methodist Church in Saranac Lake with burial immediately following at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Saranac Lake. Everyone attending is requested to follow all Covid 19 recommendations including wearing a face mask and social distancing.

Family and friends wishing to remember Ruth Whitney may make memorial contributions to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society or the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home. Family and Friends can also share their memories and sign the online guest book at www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.