Ruth Elizabeth Headley know to most as "Ruthie"'s Obituary
Ruth Elizabeth Taylor Headley, “Ruthie” as everyone knew her passed away in Comfort Care and Hospice at Tidal Health Nanticoke on August 12, 2023. Ruthie was born on Jan. 10, 1948, in Blades, DE to the late James H. Taylor and Mary Elizabeth Millman Taylor. She was a true Sussex County native who spoke the old-time dialect of Sussex and was beloved to the radio audience of the local talk radio show with Dan Gaffney. Ruthie became a legend in her own time and was a pioneering woman having served in the United States Marine Corps and was the first female graduate of the Correctional Department Academy. She graduated from Georgetown High School and served in the Georgetown Historical Society and Return Day Committee. Together with her husband “Lope” (as everyone knew him) they drove most of the Governors of Delaware and Senators in their carriage on Return Day. Ruthie loved politics back in the days when politics were civil here. She knew almost everyone who was anything in politics. She always had a heart for the downtrodden or unfortunate, and particularly loved cooking for the inmates at SCI believing everyone needed a good meal and she did not care why there were there. She always had a heart for anyone needing help.
Ruthie is survived by her beloved husband, George W. “Lope” Headley, and her sisters: Clara Ann Webb and husband, William of Georgetown and Debra Jean Hudson, and husband Halton, of Millsboro. Also surviving are her niece, Sarah Davis and nephews: Joshua Swift and Jacob Swift; Jeffrey Hudson; Brad Hudson; and Brian Hudson; and James Taylor and Harry Taylor. She also leaves behind her beloved canine companion “Lady Angel 5.”
Ruthie was preceded by two nieces: Melissa A. Swift and Dawn Lynn Davis and two brothers: James R. Taylor and Harry William Taylor. Ruthie was also preceded by her dear friend Former Governor Ruth Ann Minner who she loved and kept in constant contact with every week. Also surviving are many extended family members and a host of magnificent friends from all across Delaware.
A viewing and visitation will be held at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St. Millsboro, DE on Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM with Pastor Chuck Reynolds officiating, and interment following at Woodlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Camp Barnes, c/o Delaware State Police Headquarters; P.O. Box 430 Dover, Delaware 19901,
Electronic condolences to: www.watsonfh.com
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