Ruth Kelley Royer

Born on July 18, 1920 in Baltimore Maryland, Ruth passed away peacefully at 93, on December 17, 2013 in Venice, Florida. Ruth spent her childhood in London, England. She attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and was awarded a scholarship for her outstanding acting ability that was presented to her by the esteemed actress, Gertrude Lawrence. In addition to acting, she was an accomplished equestrian and dancer. Upon returning to the United States, she met her future husband, John Kelley. They were happily married for sixty years until his death in 2000. They began their life together in Maryland, then moved to Pennsylvania, New Jersey and finally settled in Wellesley, Massachusetts where they lived for over twenty years. Upon retirement, they moved first to East Dennis, Massachusetts then to Homosassa, Florida. Ruth remarried at eighty one, and enjoyed eleven years with Dick Royer in Homosassa and Sarasota, Florida until his death in 2013. Ruth was an avid reader, a lover of puns, poetry and prose. She was a painter, a poet, a talented cook and had a green thumb like none other. She loved bridge with her friends and her golf game gave her equal amounts of joy and misery. The family home was filled with warmth and laughter by her love of family, her flair for the dramatic, her humor, and beautiful smile. Her loss will leave a void in our hearts that cannot be filled. Ruth is survived by three children from her first marriage: John Kelley (Joanne), Jim Kelley (Hinda) and Judy Flanagan (Scott), six grandchildren and one great grandson. Her second husband's five children (Rick, Amy, Jeff, Patty and Dave) were a great joy to her. A graveside service will be held at 10:30AM on Friday, January 10, 2014 at Sarasota National Cemetery. For those wishing to honor her life, a donation to the American Diabetes Association in her name would be greatly appreciated. Farley Funeral Home in Venice, Florida is handling the arrangements. Service Information Date: Friday, January 10, 2014 Time: 10:30 am Sarasota National Cemetery Address: 9810 State Road 72, , Sarasota, FL, 34241 941-922-7200 | Map