Ruth M. Rainey Sullivan, 96 years, of Potomac Falls, Virginia, died January 24, 2017. Born in Swedesboro, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late William and Anna Rulon Rainey and the wife of Lt. Col. Donald E. Sullivan, USAF, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage before his death in 1999. Ruth was a 1938 graduate of Swedesboro High School and a 1942 graduate of West Chester State Teacher's College (now West Chester University), in West Chester, Pennsylvania. She lived many places as an Air Force wife and then became a long time resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado, having lived there 50 years. Ruth loved playing duplicate bridge, entertaining, gardening and reading. She was an avid fan of Air Force Academy football and from 1972 until 1992, she and her husband sponsored and provided a home away from home to more than 20 cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy, many of whom remained close friends to Ruth and Don.
Ruth is survived by her daughter, Donna Sullivan Everage and her husband Henry (Buddy), of Burke, Virginia, and her brother-in-law Donald Chandler of Clearwater, Florida. Ruth is also survived by three step-grandchildren and four step-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Ruth is predeceased by her sisters, Laura Rainey Geitz and Helen Rainey Chandler.
Ruth's memorial service will be celebrated on Friday, February 17, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at Falcons Landing, 20522 Falcons Landing Circle, Potomac Falls, Virginia 20165, followed by a lunch. Interment at Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro, New Jersey will be held at a later time for the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ruth's honor may be made to Freedom Service Dogs of America, 7193 S. Dillon Court, Englewood, Colorado 80112 (freedomservicedogs.org), or Paws With a Cause, 4646 South Division, Wayland, Michigan 49348. (pawswithacause.org.)
Be sure to indicate on your check or online that you are donating in the name of Ruth M. Sullivan.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by National Funeral Home.
4 Entries
January 29, 2019
Friend
Beverly Bensalem
It's hard to believe it's been two years since we lost "Aunt" Ruth. I think of her so often when walking in the park near my home in San Diego. I used to call her from there and she always sounded so upbeat and happy to receive a call. I always tried to think of a joke or something to make her laugh. She always asked "when are you coming to visit?" I miss her so much and treasure the memory of time we spent together. Thinking of you, Donna.
February 11, 2017
Beverly Bensalem
Spending time with Ruth was always such fun. She enjoyed the good things of life, such as travel, living overseas, a close of day cocktail, a good story, sparkly earrings. Her elegance and style were obvious; her goodness and caring for others was exemplary. I'll always remember our times together and will miss her so much.
February 11, 2017
Helen Martin
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's death. She was a beautiful lady and I know you will miss her dearly.
Helen
February 11, 2017
Nancy Harmon
The wisest lady I ever met, I will miss you, and have fond memories, Donna and Buddy, sorry for your lose, I met two wonderful people cause of Ruth love Nancy Harmon
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