Ruth H. Atkinson

Ruth Heiles Atkinson Age 91, of Horseheads, NY passed Friday, September 7, 2018 after a brief illness. She was born November 11, 1926 in Orange, NJ to Frederick and Esther Heiles. Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Joseph W. Atkinson Jr., of 57 years, step daughter, Lynne Greenberg Barrow and her family, brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Ruth Heiles. Ruth is survived by son Joseph W. Atkinson III and his fiancé Wendy Swatling: daughter, Gail Patricia Hicks and son-in-law, Anthony Hicks: grandchildren, Nicole Lynne Borden and her husband, Philip Borden, Matthew Hicks and Elizabeth Hicks; great grandchildren: Rachael Borden and Philip Borden. Ruth’s beloved cat, Sam. Ruth graduated from Boston Public Schools, attended Boston University and graduated from Leland Powers School of Broadcasting. In the early 1960s, she volunteered as statewide ambulance relay coordinator for the New York State Volunteer Ambulance Association. After moving to Horseheads, she was involved in the women’s auxiliary of the Village of Horseheads Volunteer Fire Dept. She was also instrumental in organizing and managing the regional missing person’s list during the flood of 1972, using the facilities of WIQT radio where she was employed. She served as past president of the Elmira Ad Club and was a member of the Elmira Chapter of Soroptimists. Upon retiring to Palm Bay, FL, she became active in the hospital auxiliary at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, FL where she eventually served as President of the organization, before returning to be closer to her family in Horseheads, NY, whom she loved very much. She enjoyed many hobbies including baking, crocheting, genealogy and playing cards with her friends at Retirement Estates. Memorial donations can be made in her memory to the Chemung County SPCA. The family would like express their heartfelt thanks to all of the aides, nurses and staff at the Corning Center for their care they provided to our mother, which helped brighten her final days. There will be a graveside service for family and friends on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 11:00 AM at the Bath National Cemetery. Arrangements are in care with the James D. Barrett Funeral Home.