Ruth May (Ratelle) Whitney

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, on Aug. 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, she 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, Arizona, Gwen Whitney Willette of Argyle and Ron (Janelle) Whitney of Columbus, Ohio; 10 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; and 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 St., Saranac Lake. Calling hours are scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 2 to 4 and 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. A funeral service will be celebrated on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. 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 guestbook at www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.