Ruth (Van Slyke) Grady

HOLDEN - Ruth V. (Van Slyke) Grady, 93, a 58-year resident of Holden, passed away at UMass Memorial Hospital, Belmont St., Worcester on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 after being stricken ill at home. She was born and raised in Worcester, the daughter of Albert and Myrtle (Hoag) Van Slyke.

Ruth graduated from the former Commerce High School in 1938 and the former Worcester School of Business. She worked at the former Reed-Prentice from 1939 - 1946 and retired from State Mutual in 1993 as a data entry manager after 33 years of service. She was a member and past president of the American Legion Auxilary unit 204, past president of Women's Fellowship and past deaconess of the First Baptist Church of Holden and was a past president of the former Chaffins Women's Club.

Ruth's beloved husband, Edmund A. Grady died in 1998. Her son, Richard Grady died in 1975. She is survived by her niece, Marilyn Hopkins of Holden; her nephew, Robert Grady and his wife, Judy of Webster; her grandnieces, Christina Matthews of Brunswick, ME, Colleen Blair of Rutland and Annemarie F. Sachse of Holden; and many great-grandnieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Doris McManus; and her nephew, Harold “Harry” Hopkins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, May 12, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, at the First Baptist Church of Holden, 1216 Main St., Holden, MA 01520. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, 218 Richards Ave., Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Holden, designate Richard Grady Memorial Fund. To share a memory of Ruth or leave an online condolence, please sign the guestbook on this page.