RUTHANNE DUCKWORTH

HERKIMER – Ruthanne (Carroll) Duckworth, age 67, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at the Cleveland Cancer Center, OH, after a 12 year courageous battle with cancer. Ruthanne was born on April 11, 1954, in Hagerstown, MD, a daughter of the late Reverend Orrin T. and Ruth Marie (Loth) Carroll. A 30-year resident of Herkimer, she worked as a Social worker for Folts Home for many years and then at the Mohawk valley Psychiatric Center for the past 17 years. She graduated from Sandy Creek Central School in 1972. She received an Associate Degree from Jefferson Community College in 1974, a degree in Social Work from the University of Buffalo in 1976, and a Masters of Social Work in 1991 from SUNY Albany. In 1978 she received her Salvation Army training as a Lt. and was proud of the work she accomplished while serving there. As a daughter of a Methodist Minister she was also affiliated with the First UMC of Herkimer/ Little Falls. Whatever Ruthanne did, she did with an open heart and dedication to every task at hand. Her life was about serving others. She was a friend to generations of children who grew up on Green Street, her porch was a place to find a cup of hot chocolate, a rocking chair and a patient ear. She will be fondly remembered for the kindness she showed in caring for those in need; her loyal friendship and her ability to embrace life’s challenges and make a difference. She will be sadly missed by many. Above all things, Ruthanne loved being a mother, grandmother, an aunt and a great aunt. She leaves behind her daughter Melissa, son-in-law Brendan and grandchildren, Cello, Evelyn and August Quin. She is survived by her siblings, Susan, Robert, David and John Carroll, nieces, and nephews Chris, Scott, Tom, Rosemary, Keyon and Kyle and numerous great-nieces and nephews including Abby and Maddie Carroll who were especially close to their great-aunt and affectionately call her GARA. The family would like to thank the many friends who helped Ruthanne with her travels to Cleveland Clinic over the years, including Alice Stahl, Ashley Lesniak, Cathy Mayton-collins, Tom and Kathy Applin and many others; as well as Dr. Sikder, Dr. Chailikonda and the team at Cleveland Clinic for giving Ruthanne 12 years to make precious memories with her grandchildren. Lastly, sincere gratitude to all those who took turns at Ruthanne’s bedside in her final days, including her brothers and sister-in-law Holly. She knew how much she was loved by her family and friends whom she considered as family. Funeral Service for Ms. Duckworth will be held on Thursday September 9th at 11:00am in the First United Methodist Church Herkimer/little Falls. Interment will follow at Mohawk cemetery. Calling hours will be on Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in Fenner Funeral Home Inc. 115 Court Street, Herkimer. The family asks that you not wear black in mourning, but rather yellow in celebration of Ruthanne’s life as this was her favorite color. Flowers can be sent to Fenner Funeral home Inc. In lieu of monetary donations we ask that you take the time to do something kind for your friends, neighbors, or community in Ruthanne’s memory. Ruthanne believed that how we treat one another, and help each other, was far more important than money; following her example is the greatest way to honor her life commitment to service.