ruth duke

Ruth Ann “Tootsie” Duke, 88, of Weirton, was called home to her Heavenly Father on January 13th, 2023. A loyal and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister. She is now holding hands with her life’s love and best friend of over 55 years.

Tootsie was born in her family’s home in Holliday’s Cove, WV on August 2, 1934, the youngest of four children born to Edward and Helen Haney Coen.

On December 18, 1952, she married Stanley Duke while he was serving in the United States Navy. Stush worked in the Strip Steel of Weirton Steel as a crane operator, while Tootsie took meticulous care of their home. She also worked outside their home at Denmark’s and Automatic Vending Company.

Stush and Tootsie were blessed with three children, seven grandchildren and soon to be six great-grandchildren. Their abundant love for each other overflowed to four generations of their family.

Stush and Tootsie met while roller skating in Downtown Weirton which led to a lifetime of enjoying each other on the dance floor. They used to attend all the dances held at the Knights of Columbus 3734 and the Moose Lodge 688. They enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas and to their annual family vacation on the Boardwalk of Ocean City, Maryland. In their free time, they enjoyed going to the movies, listening to Big Band music, and spoiling their grandchildren.

All who knew Tootsie knew she was proud of her Irish heritage, and her love for Notre Dame. She was a stylish bargain hunter, kept a meticulous home, and a great cook. Her homemade meatballs, stuffing, and apple bars were among her family’s favorites.

Tootsie was a faithful parishioner of Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church and was a proud member of the Ladies Ancient Order of the Hibernians.

In addition to her parents, Tootsie is preceded in death by her husband, Stush on December 21, 2007; and her two brothers, John and James Coen.

She will be remembered with love and admiration by her son, Michael (Lori) Duke; her daughters, Debra (Jeff) Dunham and Lynne (Joseph D.) Thomas; her sister and best friend, Patricia McMullin; her grandchildren, Joshua (Sheena) Dunham, Samantha (Dr. T.J.) Ameredes, Katelyn (Nick Wehrum) Thomas, Chelsea (Dr. Josh) Thorne, Dr. Patrick (Dr. Alex) Duke, Megan (Jeffrey) Heupp; Dr. Ryan Duke and his fiancé Taylor Bunting; great-grandchildren, Athena, Niko, and Olivia Ameredes, Sloan Duke, Henry Heupp and one great- granddaughter on her way.

Visitation will be on Monday from 3 PM until 7 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 AM on Tuesday at Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church 229 California Avenue Weirton, WV.

Tootsie family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the staff Hope Cottage, where she was lovingly cared for the past 3 ½ years.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Aaron Davies Memorial 307 Bell Blvd Weirton, WV 26062 or to Valley Hospice 10686 State Route 150, Rayland, OH 43943 www.valleyhospice.org

Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com

Services

Visitation: January 16, 2023 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home
3219 Main Street
Weirton, WV 26062

(304) 748-3219
http://grecohertnick.com

Mass of Christian Burial: January 17, 2023 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church
229 California Avenue
Weirton, WV 26062

304-723-2054

Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Ruth Ann "Tootsie" Duke 's name.

Aaron Davies Memorial

307 Bell Blvd
Weirton, WV

Valley Hospice

10686 State Route 150
Rayland, OH
877 467 7423
www.valleyhospice.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Dear Debbie, Lynn and Michael and families,
    Sorry for the loss of your mom. She was one of the nicest people I have known. May the good lord receive her , along with her family and cousins and have a fine heavenly Irish wake.
    May God bless you all during this difficult time.

    Tim and Lisa

  2. How we loved Toots!! Especially spending time with her and her sister Pat. They enjoyed their lives and time together and taught us what family love was really all about. She never hesitated to tell you how much she loved her family and also how much she missed the love of her life, Stush. I’m sure they’re holding each other tight now in heaven. You will be missed Toots.

  3. Debbie, Lynn and family: I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was such a sweet neighbor; always busy in her yard and never without a smile! She will be missed terribly but is finally with your dad once again. I will keep you all in my prayers.

  4. Dear Debbie,Michael,Lynne and your families, Your mom was one of those pleasant people that always greeted you with a sincere smile on her face. She certainly leaves behind an impressive legacy that all of you should be proud to be part of. Our sincere condolences go out to you all. God bless, Cathy and Jack Arango

  5. I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know her that well but I know she was a sweet lady. That loved her family very much. There’s alot to say but words escape me at a time like this. Know that my heart goes out to all of you. Be well because that’s what she would have wanted. Sincerely, Anthony Guglielmo

  6. Dear Mike and Lori,
    I am sorry to learn of your mother and mother-in-law’s passing. There is nothing like losing your mother! I hope your memories help you during this difficult time. God bless.
    Carol Porec Kahler

  7. Dear Lynne,
    I was sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I remember meeting her and immediately knew she was a wonderful lady. My deepest sympathies to you and all your family.
    Bob Firm

  8. I was introduced to Tootsie @ the LAOH by Joann Straker. She was such a delightful & caring person & so pleasant. May God watch over all of U during this time. May she rest in peace with her Husband Stush who she always lovingly spoke.

  9. Candle Selection 8Dear Debbie, Lynne, Michael and your families. I was so sorry to hear about your Mom passing away. I have so many great memories of hanging out together at each others houses with our parents. I know my Mom always considered your Mom one of her best friends. She was such a wonderful lady.
    Sincerely,
    Susie Clancey Blaschak

  10. Debbie, Lynne and Mike,
    Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mom. May your beautiful memories help you through your time of grief. May Her Memory Be Eternal 🙏
    Diane and Michael Battista and Familu

  11. Debbie, Lynne and Mike,
    Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mom. May your beautiful memories help you through your time of grief. May Her Memory Be Eternal 🙏
    Diane and Michael Battista and Family

  12. Candle Selection 4Mike, Lori & families
    We were sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies to your families.
    Vicki & Terry Gilles


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