Ruth Fitzpatrick SOLLEY

Ruth Fitzpatrick SOLLEY, 98, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of Zephyrhills, FL, Girard, OH, and Whitesville, NY, died Monday, May 5, 2025 in UR Jones Memorial Hospital after a short illness.

Born September 15, 1926, in Independence, she was the daughter of George and Mary Allen Fitzpatrick. On August 9, 1988, she married Elwood Lemar Solley, who predeceased her on October 21, 2021. She then moved to Manor Hills Assisted Living in Wellsville to be near her family.

After graduating from Whitesville High School, she attended Elmira Beauty School, taking the train from Whitesville each week. She worked as a beautician for several years before raising a family. Later Ruth was employed in industrial sales at Kailbourne Supply in Wellsville and eventually at Warren Hardware in Ohio.

Surviving are: four children, Earl Patrick (Sharon) Ainsworth of Princeton, NJ, Michael Allen (Bonni) Ainsworth of Rexville, NY, Susan Anne Kear of Whitesville, and Rebecca Joy (Michael) Riley of East Petersburg, PA; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; nieces; nephew; and sister-in-law Sandra Fitzpatrick. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a son, Daniel George Ainsworth; a brother, James Fitzpatrick; a sister, "Jean" Clark; a granddaughter, Nash Ainsworth; a great-granddaughter, Jessica Hanchett; a great-grandson, Gunnar; and a niece, Patricia Stebbins.

Ruth took great pride in her Irish heritage. Like her father, she was a fine storyteller with a great sense of humor. She often spoke of growing up in depression era Whitesville when it was the trading hub of the area. She told of traveling hobos stealing her mother's pies from the window sill, watching the lamplighter go post to post each evening, and watching the thespians and entertainers on Saturday nights through the windows of the Odd Fellows Hall. She recalled gypsy music at campfires by the river at night and being assigned with a friend to plane lookout on the hill during World War II. She recounted these memories well into her mid-nineties.

Ruth and Lemar enjoyed 50 years of camping, dancing, entertaining, and travel. Whether in Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Florida, they hosted family and friends with good food, drink, and laughter. They will be eternally missed.

Services will be private. Memorials may be made to Whitesville Fire Dept.

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.