Obituary of Ruth J Walker

Ruth J. Walker, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully at the age of 92.  Born on February 23, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio, Ruth was the daughter of Stanley and Rose Petrokas.  She grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland, and with her late husband Richard (“Richie”), lived in several beautiful locations throughout her life.  These included Lake Forest, Illinois; Cold Spring Harbor, New York; Bernardsville, and most recently, Basking Ridge, New Jersey where she and Richard enjoyed their golden years together.

Ruth departed this life a mere three weeks after her dear husband passed away.  Ruth and Richard were married for nearly 72 years, having said “I do” to each other on July 25, 1953.  She did not die from a broken heart.  She died from an unquenchable need and desire to be together with her husband.

Ruth is survived by her loving children; daughter Deborah (Debbie) and her children Jennifer, Kevin, Jacquiline (Jackie) and David; son Mark and his wife Perrin with their children Perrin (Perri) and Kelsey; son Jeffrey and his wife Laurie and their children Finley and Gwenan; and son James and his wife Joanna and their children Grace, Nicholas (Nick) and Jessica who continue to carry on Ruth’s legacy of love and compassion. 

Ruth was also a loved great-grandmother to Jamesby, Will, Lucy, Harrison, Weston, Addison, Harper Rose and Atlas.

Ruth achieved academic success at East High School in Cleveland, Ohio, where she attained Directed Mantel Order honors, graduated near the top of her high school class, and was selected to give the commencement address at graduation.  She began her college studies at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, in 1950 but left college following an auto accident during her sophomore year.  Although she did not return to Ohio University, her lack of a college degree did nothing to temper her desire for learning or her drive to succeed.  When focused and committed, she was unstoppable.

Ruth, together with Richard, raised four wonderful and amazing children.  She also had her own professional success and recognition having been elected to serve as President of the Cold Spring Harbor High School, New York, school board on which she served for two-years, provided exemplary leadership, and who’s signature is on her son, Jim’s, Diploma.  When all her children left the nest, she began an extremely successful career in real estate with Daniel Gail Realty on Long Island, NY.  When she and Richard moved to Bernardsville, N J, Ruth continued her real estate activities that lasted for nearly thirty years, first with Burgdorf Realty in Bernardsville and then culminating as the manager of the Basking Ridge office of Coldwell Banker Realty.  Ruth had an unerring eye for real estate that met her clients’ needs, and she developed an extremely loyal following of customers and fellow real estate professionals.

Ruth loved life and she loved her family.  She also loved people, cooking, bridge, Chardonnay (never beer), Bermuda, reading the NY Times every Sunday, watching birds at the bird feeder and simply living life.  She will be greatly and sincerely missed.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ from 11:00 – 12 Noon. Funeral Mass will follow at St. James Church, 184 S Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. Entombment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Basking Ridge, NJ

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Alzheimer's Association   The Alzheimer's Association