Ruth Ward LaBarge of Stuart, FL, died peacefully at her home on April 21, 2018, following complications from a recent fall.  She was 96 years young.

Originally from the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, NY, Ruth Alice Young graduated in 1943 with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY.  It was there that she met the love of her life, Dr. Edward F. Ward, whom she later married.  Together, they raised four loving children: Edward F. Ward, Jr. (Liz) of Alexandria, VA; Mary Alice W. Woodend (Mike) of Kissimmee, FL; the late Virginia Anne Ward-O'Hara (John) of Arlington, VA; and, William F. Ward (Joan) of Pittsburgh, PA.  Ruth's greatest pride and joy were her four children, her 11 grandchildren and her 12 great-grandchildren.

Following years as a devoted homemaker, Ruth returned to academia where she earned her elementary school certification, and later, her Masters of Arts degree in Reading Specialization from Paterson State College in NJ.  She also studied for her Ph.D. degree at Columbia University in NY.  Ruth's passion was teaching: during her years teaching kindergarten and the second grade, Ruth acquired additional certifications as a Teacher of Handicapped Children and as a Learning Disabilities Teacher and Consultant.  Starting in 1967, Ruth was an Assistant Professor at Montclair State College in NJ where she taught graduate and undergraduate courses regarding Reading, Learning Disabilities and Communication Skills.  She also served as an Adjunct Professor at Paterson State College teaching Reading in the Elementary Schools.

Ruth's years of experience in teaching led her to take a position with the United States Department of Education in Washington, DC.  It was there that Ruth helped to implement federal education policy and to assist school districts throughout the country.  Her relocation from NJ to DC also enabled Ruth to be closer to her children and grandchildren, including: Sean Ward (Audrey); Mia Ward Tarpey (Denis); Jessica Ward Hartung (Brian) ; Matthew Woodend (Paula); Meredith Anne Woodend; Morgan Woodend (Hope); McManus Woodend (Kelli); Katie Anne O'Hara; Michael Patrick O'Hara; Thomas Ward; and, Rebecca E. Ward.  As matriarch of the Ward-Woodend-O'Hara families, Ruth shared her love of life and God as well as her enjoyment of golf, dancing, reading, bridge and travel with her children and grandchildren.   As Great Grandmother of twelve, "GG" shared her wonderful memories and life experiences with the Ward, Woodend, Tarpey, and Hartung families.  She loved her beach vacations with her families at Spring Lake, NJ, and Bethany Beach, DE.

In her retirement, Ruth and Dr. Ward moved to Palm City, FL.  After her 52-year marriage to Dr. Ward ended with his death in 1995, Ruth later re-married Willard J. LaBarge, with whom she was married until his death in 2004.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Francis A. Young and Alice M. Young, and her siblings, Francis A. Young, Jr., Frances Young McCarthy, and Sr. Alice Francis Young.  She is survived by her brother, George E. Young, of Spring Lake, NJ.

A Mass of Christian Burial and a Memorial Service will be celebrated in the future at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Palm City, FL.   Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Palm City.

Arrangements are entrusted to Forest Hills Funeral Home Palm City.