LANCASTER / MADISON

Ruth Audrey Okey was born in Forest City, N.C., on Sept. 14, 1924, to Ceceila Niemer Okey and Lewis Lebo Okey. She passed away Nov. 3, 2016, at Orchard Manor, Lancaster.

As toddler, she and her family moved back to Cassville, where she attended elementary and high school before enrolling in St. Mary's School of Nursing in Madison. Ruth moved to New York City, where she was employed at TIME/LIFE for a number of years. Returning to Madison, she worked in several departments of the State civil service. In retirement she was an active volunteer for the Madison Public Library.

As her health failed, a devoted nephew and his family moved her to an apartment in Cassville, where she spent her remaining time.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Walter (Merce), Earl (Kay), John (Dee) and Paul (Nancy) Okey and their families. She is survived by a sister, Florence Poole of Madison; and many nieces and nephews.

A gathering will be held on Nov. 27, 2016, for family and friends from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at 622 Dennison St., Cassville.

We will always be grateful for the loving care given to Ruth by her caregivers and family.