Ruth (Feeney) Baldwin-Staggs

CHADWICKS/CLINTON, NY – Ruth (Feeney) Baldwin-Staggs, born October 15, 1946, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ early Sunday morning, April 30, 2023, with her loving husband Charlie by her side. Ruth came to know and love the Lord as her Savior, and her deep relationship with Jesus gave her much peace and comfort throughout her life and especially in her final days. She made it known, shortly before her admission to the Abraham House in Rome, that she was ready to go home and be with her Lord. Ruth was born and lived her early days in Utica. As an adult, she moved to Washington, D.C. where she worked for the CIA in an office capacity. She returned to Utica to raise her family with her first husband, Frank Baldwin. She eventually returned to work, waitressing at several local restaurants in Utica, and out of this came a lifelong friendship with her “Best Friend Forever” Bonnie Bova. She then worked at Verizon as an operator and eventually a business representative. She retired from Verizon after almost 20 years of service. Ruth married Charles “Charlie” Staggs on May 9, 1992. She loved to travel with Charlie, their favorite locations being Georgia, Florida and Las Vegas, though her heart was truly at home in Sylvan Beach where she spent many years as a child at her family’s camp. Ruth was an avid bowler, playing locally on a few women’s bowling leagues. She loved camping and enjoyed crocheting and Bunka as her hobbies. Church, fellowship, and bible study were an ever so important part of her daily life and spiritual journey. Ruth and Charlie, “Grandma and Grandpa,” had a very special relationship with their grandson Howie, and together spent their later years enjoying “all things Howie.” In Ruth’s last days, Howie needed to be with his Grandma saying “She’s been my biggest fan since I was born, and I have to be there with her.” At her bedside in her final days, Howie whispered to her, “I love you, you little turkey.” Her last words spoken were in that moment, as she replied to him, “I love you too, Howie.” Ruth is survived by her loving husband, Charlie, who spent years sacrificially and selflessly caring for her as no one else could. She is also survived by her five children and their families: David Baldwin, Kathleen and Dominick LaParne, Kelly and Howard Britton, Mark and Brandie Baldwin, and Kerry and Raul Garcia. She will be forever loved by ten grandchildren and their families, and a favorite memory to two great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. She will be missed by her twin sister, Joyce and her husband Walt Keesler; Ruth and Joyce shared a heart as only sisters could, and their relationship and friendship was a sisterly bond that could not be broken. There are several nieces and nephews and their families who were also special to Ruth throughout her life. Lastly, Ruth leaves behind her closest friend, Bonnie Bova; the father of her children and former husband, Frank Baldwin; and many other friends and loved ones. Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Rowland and Marion (Ritzel) Feeney; her brother, Mike Feeney and his wife Chris; and her step-daughter, Carolyn Cooper. Ruth’s family is extremely grateful to Kim and Dave Lisi, for their friendship, fellowship and support; as well as Pastor Jim Synakowski and the pastors of Redeemer Church who came to visit and pray with her both at home and at the Abraham House. Ruth’s family would like to acknowledge the Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. of Central New York nursing staff for their dedication to Ruth’s care. Additionally and most importantly, the family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Kim, Pam, Angela, and all of the staff at the Abraham House in Rome, who cared for Ruth and provided her with the grace, dignity, and comfort she needed in her final days. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 from 4:00-6:30 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Ruth’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home officiated by Pastor Jim Synakowski. Those unable to attend may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87493303479 In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Abraham House, Rome online at https://www.theabrahamhouse.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

Ruth (Feeney) Baldwin-Staggs

October 15, 1946 - April 30, 2023