Ruth Ellen Michelson Dukes

Ruth Ellen Michelson Dukes Ruth Ellen Michelson Dukes, 85, formerly of Beaufort, S.C., died Wednesday, December 9, 2009 in Dover, Ohio. She was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, a daughter of the late John and Hilda Liimatainen Michelson. Mrs. Dukes was a graduate of St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing where she earned a nursing degree. She was a former employee of the University Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, Union Hospital in Dover, Ohio, Bethany St. Joseph Nursing Center in LaCrosse, WI, and Bay View Nursing Center in Beaufort, S.C. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Mrs. Dukes is predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Joseph Donaldson Dukes who died in 2004 and a son John W. Dukes who died in 1994. She is survived by one daughter, Ruthellen Aul (Don) of Strasburg, OH; three sons, Joseph D. Dukes (Linda) of Landisville, PA; Michael Dukes (Ann) of LaCrosse, WI; Matthew Dukes (Katherine) of Peachtree City, Ga.; one brother, Armand Michelson of Madison, OH; two sisters, Elsie Wester of Clearwater, Fla.; and Louise Eichner of Canton, MA; eight grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 18, 2009 at 1:30 P.M. at Copeland Funeral Service. Burial will follow in the Beaufort National Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A memorial service will also be held on January 9, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church in New Philadelphia, OH.