Obituary of Ruth Cely

Ruth Cely, born December 12, 1922 in Boston, MA passed away on April 1, 2020 in her home. She was preceded in death by parents Elbra and Lois Roeder of California, as well as beloved husband Lt. Col. William F. Cely ‘Bill’ of Tucson. Ruth is survived by her children Catherine Cely (Jan DeWilde) of Springerville, AZ and William F. Cely ‘Frank’(Donna Cely) of Plano, TX and grandson Andrew Cely. Raised in Southern California, Ruth developed a love for horses and belonged to Victor McLaglen’s Light Horse Women’s Troup where she learned military drill work on horseback to music in a show ring, was a jumper and learned trick riding. She attended U.C.L.A., Columbia University, University of Houston and later U.A. Employment included working with technical engineering reports in a secretarial job with Cal Ship Shipbuilding Corp. in Wilmington, CA, The Armour Laboratories in Chicago, Raytheon Mfg. Co. in N.Y. and Douglas Aircraft Co., Inc. L.A., CA. She married her loving husband Bill after WWII and they moved from Houston, TX to Tucson, AZ in 1948 to raise a family. Swimming, hiking, gardening, reading and operas were some of her many interests as she was a real adventurer. She was a legal secretary for Tucson lawyers C. M. Wright, Goddard, Hamilton, Moorehead & Morse and after raising her family went back to work for T.U.S.D. as an Administrative secretary at Catalina H.S. She was a member of her local, State and National organizations (TEOP; NAES) for 30 years. Ruth challenged herself in the technically disciplined Japanese art of flower arrangement known as Ikebana. Chosen in 2018 for the 1 st Term Masters’ Degree granted only by the Headmaster directly to those whose career in the Ohara School was outstandingly recognized was a special honor. In February 2008 Ruth was previously honored for her devoted career and service to the Ohara School during a ceremony in Kobe. Teaching students in her Tucson studio about floral design included developing a sophisticated, creative and sensitive eye using proper containers and styles with flowers, trees and shrubs. Ruth demonstrated and exhibited arrangements at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, U.A. Museum of Art, and many places around the community, as well as attending workshops worldwide. Additionally, she was past president of the Tucson chapter of the Ohara School, and joined the Tucson Garden Club, Orchid Society, American Horticulture Society and grew her own floral materials for arrangements. Ruth will most likely be remembered for her integrity, sense of humor and kindness. She leaves many friends as well as her family. She will be interred in Arlington Cemetery with her husband. A memorial service in Tucson is planned for a later date.