RUTH P. CONLEY
Ruth P. Conley, 100, of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, died at Vicars Landing Health Care after a brief illness. She was born in Seattle, WA, to John and Esther Pearce. Her mother was the lead soprano for the Seattle Opera and was the first inspiration of the vocation that would invigorate Ruth's life. After graduating from the University of Washington in piano performance, she was engaged as the stage manager for the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. With the outbreak of WW II she enlisted in the Women's Army Corps. Ruth was assigned as a recruiter and events planner where she met her future husband Paul A. Conley who was serving in the Army Air Transport Command. They were married at Bolling Field, Washington, D.C., and spent 48 years together before Mr. Conley's death in 1993. They had moved to Ponte Vedra from New York City in 1972. Once moved, Ruth took up where she left off in New York organizing lectures, recitals and anything else musical. She was the biggest cheerleader for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, where her spirit will live on in the music at Jacoby Hall.
She was a member of the board of directors (emeritus) of the Jacksonville Symphony and the St. Augustine Music Festival. Her help and encouragement to young and aspiring musicians and the many venues where music was important is probably the greatest legacy of her life. She was a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church and Tuesday Bible Study at The Plantation in Ponte Vedra.
She is survived by four children: Paul (Jane), Omaha, NE; Deborah Bower (Edward), Peterborough, NH; Christopher (Sarah), Hillsdale, MI; and Anne Ondrey (Thomas), Chardon, OH; nine grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the staffs at Vicars Landing Health Care and Community Hospice of Jacksonville for the good care they took of their beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Because of the pandemic PRIVATE FAMILY SERVICES will be held.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in honor of Ruth be made to the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church or The Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine.
Please visit her Tribute online at www.quinn-shalz.com. Arrangements by…

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Published by The Beaches Leader from Jan. 6 to Jan. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Conley

Sponsored by Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home & Cremation Centre.

7 Entries

Regina McIlvain

July 16, 2021

One year ago we were all disappointed not to be able to celebrate Mrs. Conley's 100th birthday all together. Covid took a toll on many who never had the illness. Pleasant as it was to take part in the video celebration, most of us looked forward to an in-person meeting. This is a bittersweet remembrance of her birthday with the sad realization of the answer to: 'when shall we meet again?' Happy 101st birthday, Mrs. Conley

Lynn & Chris Wadelton

January 15, 2021

We so much enjoyed our years with Ruth. She has been such an inspiration and friend! We enjoyed going to the symphony, impromptu concerts in her condo, playing Scrabble, sharing meals, and stories.. We are grateful to have known Ruth❤.

Bonnie Talley

January 9, 2021

Ruth was my first friend and neighbor in PVB. We had music to bond us. She was such an inspiration to me for many years!

Regina McIlvain

January 8, 2021

This has been a year of loss but for me, this one is scarcely imaginable. I may have been 10 when we met, but I cannot conceive of the world without Mrs. Conley in it. Her gifts equaled her generosity and I do not believe I know another person who approached life as full of light as she. She was my first, and I do believe, best voice teacher. The memories span decades and can no more be contained on a page than the beauty of her artistry, passion for learning and teaching, and her deep spirituality. As long as I live, a part of her will be vibrantly with me, like a favorite song that grows more burnished and beautiful will time. Adieu, with all my love, Regina

Bonita Wyke

January 7, 2021

Ruth was generous in every possible way, with her heart, spirit, faith, means, and Life. She always affected me deeply, with honesty, and a Wisdom that could see through any folly. She inspired countless people in her lifetime, and will continue to, as we bless her and hold her in our hearts. Ruth leaves a Legacy of Love to emulate, celebrate, and cherish, for the rest of our lives. Thank you , Ruth

Wade McCormick

January 6, 2021

Ruth was a stylish beautiful lady. I will always remember what an asset she and Paul were to our family and the Ponte Vedra community in 1972.
I will miss Ruth and sure she will be running a symphony in heaven. God bless her family.

David Wainer III

January 5, 2021

Dear Conley family,
I am very sorry for the loss of your wonderful mother/grandmother/great-grandmother. She was my piano teacher almost 40 years ago when I was in 6th and 7th grade. She had the patience of Job to put up with me. When my sister was born in 1980, she would come to our house and play piano for her for hours. It was her ministry to my family. She has been a most special friend to the Wainers over the years and we will mourn her loss with you from afar. She was a Godly woman and I very much look forward to spending eternity with her in the presence of our Lord.

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