Ruth Elizabeth Woolsey (née Talmadge), 91, of Shelby, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Born on November 9, 1934, in Monroe, New York, Ruth was the daughter of the late Fred Talmadge Sr. and Elizabeth Talmadge (née Neuberger).

A native of New York, Ruth enjoyed a life filled with adventure, traveling across the country with her beloved husband and daughter, including time spent living in Montana. Wherever life took her, she formed lasting friendships and found meaningful ways to serve others.

Ruth dedicated her life to caring for others through her career as a nurse, a profession that reflected her compassionate and giving spirit. Her strong faith and commitment to her community were equally important to her. She was a devoted and active member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir and serving her church family. Throughout her life, Ruth generously volunteered her time with numerous churches, community organizations, and senior centers in both New York and North Carolina. She also had a special love for animals, especially her beloved dogs, who brought her great joy and companionship.

Above all, Ruth will be remembered for her kindness, unwavering faith, devotion to family, and the countless lives she touched through a lifetime of service to others.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her daughter, Dawn Woolsey Paris; and two brothers, Fred Talmadge Jr. and Roy Talmadge.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of seventy-one years, Theodore Richard Woolsey; two grandchildren, Kelly Paris and fiancé Brian Blankenship of Rosedale, Maryland, and Jon Paris and wife Elizabeth of Pasadena, Maryland; and four great-grandchildren, Collin, Savannah, Lucas, and Ryleigh.
Memorials may be made to Foothills Humane Society, PO Box 985, Columbus, NC 28722.

A burial will be held in the Highland Cemetery in Highland, NY.

Online condolences can be made at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center-Fallston, and with Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. in Monroe, NY.