Ruth Daugherty-Kelley

ruth daugherty-kelley

January 8, 1938 ~ July 15, 2021

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O. Ruth Daugherty-Kelley, age 83, of Montgomery, AL died peacefully in La Grange, KY on July 15, 2021 following a courageous battle with cancer. Ruth was born in Forkland, KY to a farming family. She graduated from Parksville High School and attended Spencerian College. She married Virgil Kinnaird Kelley, Jr. in 1957 becoming an AF military spouse. Kinnaird was killed in Vietnam in 1967. She married Edward Ziemniak in 1970. She loved to travel, traveling throughout Europe and to the Holy Land in 1979. She was a talented and passionate golfer and loved reading immensely. Ruth obtained a B.S. in Social Work from Auburn University and worked as an Addictions Counselor and Geriatric Social Worker. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband Capt. V. Kinnaird Kelley, Jr., her grandchildren Skyler Wheeler and Katherine Sylvia Kelley-Koch, and dear friend and companion Joseph C. Pine. She is survived by: her ex-husband Ret Maj. Edward Ziemniak of Montgomery, AL; Her three children, Tracey Kelley-Feeney (Shaun) of La Grange, KY, Chris Kelley (Karie) of Wetumpka, AL, and Corey Ziemniak (Daniel) of Los Angeles, CA; Her grandchildren Heather Durham, Torey Kelley, Hollis Kelley, Chesney Kelley, Jacob Feeney, and Heath Feeney; and great grandchildren Jaxson Durham, Jase Ingram and Talyn Ingram; Her siblings Lois Floyd (Paul) of Richmond, Ralph Daugherty (Judy) of Independence, KS, Barbara Tarter of Moreland, Pat Seay (Donald) of Junction City, and Charles Daugherty (Shirley) of Harrodsburg. Visitation to be held at Stith Funeral Home in Junction City, July 21, 2021 11:30am – 1:30pm, with funeral services to follow. A brief farewell service will be held at Bellevue Cemetery in Danville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ruth’s memory to TreatmentAdvocacyCenter.org or FeedingAmerica.org. Please sign the online guestbook and send a Hug from Home. Visitation to be held at Stith Funeral Home in Junction City, July 21, 2021, 11:30am – 1:30pm, with funeral services to follow. A brief farewell service will be held at Bellevue Cemetery in Danville. *The family asks that everyone attending the service wear a mask.

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  2. Very sad to hear of Ruth\’s passing. I remember many good times of laughing and having fun with Ruth and family. Ruth helped Kinnaird with his education as he did her, times were hard but they worked together and had a wonderful marriage with two fine children. May the love of God be with loved one\’s family and friends at this difficult time. Love you all

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  7. I’m so sorry for your loss. You and the entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember the times I would see her at Mrs. Kelley’s she was always so beautiful and so soft spoken. I know you all will miss her. But remember she’s in Gods arms now. No more pain, sorrow, nor tears. May she Rest In Peace.

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  8. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It’s so hard to loose your mother but her love and memories will always be with you. Sending love and many hugs.

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  9. Ruth was such a special woman, loving, and held high values. I was blessed to have known her through the years we worked together at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, AL. Pam Artman

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  10. The memory of your mom and her incredible life will remain with you forever. My deepest condolences.

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