DOOLEY, Ruth Elizabeth

Ruth Elizabeth Dooley 89, passed away in her apartment at Amber Lights on January 8, 2011, surrounded by her family. Ruth fought a courageous battle with congestive heart failure and emphysema and lived for years in constant pain from a back injury. Yet she continued to live as she always had – on her own terms, never dwelling on her pain. Ruth was born on June 17, 1921 in Jersey City, NJ to William and Mabel Heinrich. She graduated from high school in Jersey City and then worked in New York City where she met her husband-to-be, Harry Dooley. They married in 1943 and lived in New Jersey and Pennsylvania before settling in Tucson in 1964. Family always came first for Ruth. She was a full-time mom – fully committed to loving and caring for her family. She treasured spending time with her four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Nothing brought her more joy than being "Nonny"! Ruth lived a long and fulfilling life. Always generous and compassionate, she was a person with an open and loving heart and she volunteered with many organizations until her last years. She had a larger-than-life presence, a positive spirit, and she embraced family, friends and life with great passion and energy. Ruth was an avid reader and she loved to laugh. She was a gracious and elegant lady with a great eye for style – which continued through her last days. She was admired and loved by all who knew her. The light of her smile will forever be missed, but never forgotten. Ruth really enjoyed living in her retirement community and got to know many of her caregivers on a personal level. The family extends special thanks to the staff at Amber Lights for their kindness and loving care during her time there. At Ruth's request, no funeral services will be held. Instead, there will be a Celebration of Ruth's Life on Saturday, February 12, at 4:00 p.m. at Macayo's Mexican Restaurant Del Norte, 7360 North Oracle Road, Tucson. Friends wishing to attend, please contact Ellen at 253-428-8457 or by e-mail at 2azbound2@comcast.net. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; her mother, Mabel and her sister, Anne. She is survived by her children, Gail Dooley Baumkirchner, Robert Dooley (Julie) and Ellen Dooley, as well as grandchildren, Bradley Baumkirchner, Brooke Baumkirchner Sain (Doug), Brian Baumkirchner (Julianna) and Dr. Brandi Baumkirchner and great-grandchildren, Max Baumkirchner and Mason, Christian and Addison Sain. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial donation in Ruth's name to the Arizona Cancer Center, the charity of your choice or Franciscan Hospice, PO Box 1502, Tacoma, WA 98401-1502. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Avalon Chapel.