St. Elizabeth Hospice Comfort Beyond Words
Comfort Beyond Words: Born in the foothills of Appalachia during the Great Depression, Ruby Faye Raleigh learned at an early age that these characteristics were necessary to survive. From her childhood home in Wolf Coal, Ky., the closest high school was 45 minutes away. When the commute to school became too much, she put her dreams of completing her high school degree on hold. Leaving her childhood home at 17-years-old, she moved nearly 200 miles away to join her older sisters as a factory laborer. Ruby spent years working at a factory in Newport, Ky. sending money back home to family while starting one of her own with her husband, Andy Ducker. Ruby’s patience and persistent spirit throughout her life paid off. At age 40, the mother of two accomplished a long-deferred dream, earning her GED. Independence. Self-reliance. Hard work. Determination.
Ruby’s strong spirit and deep faith helped her face unforeseen challenges during her lifetime, including the loss of her husband, a broken hip, a serious back injury, and COVID-19. She persevered through them all. But at age 85, while receiving treatment for a bacterial infection, Ruby’s condition deteriorated to sepsis. Doctors told her sons it was terminal. “We vowed to each other to be strong for her, and to spare no effort in taking care of her, just as she had done for us,” said Ruby’s son Larry Ducker. “And St. Elizabeth Hospice made that possible. They helped us with everything we needed. Education, supplies, anything to help her be more comfortable or more spiritually at ease—it was there.” “It really gave us peace knowing we weren’t alone on that journey,” said Larry.
With the loving support of the Hospice staff, Larry and his brother, Jeff, made it through the difficult days and weeks ahead. And they think Ruby knew that these same people who were taking care of her, were taking care of them too. “In the end it was very peaceful for her,” added Larry. “I wish we could adequately convey our gratitude to everyone involved in our mom’s care. They offered us a comfort beyond words. It truly is a calling, working for Hospice. It’s something you have to have in your heart.” “We knew mom would want to give other families the opportunity to be cared for as we were, by the people with that special calling, so the first thing out of her estate was a gift to St. Elizabeth Hospice. She didn’t come from much, but she worked hard; and what she earned, she was happy to share. As mom would say, it’s just how her people are.” Thank you, Hospice, for providing compassionate care, love, and support to loved ones and their family members during some of the most challenging times of their lives.
Your gifts to St. Elizabeth Hospice help patients and families navigate the end-of-life journey in a personal and meaningful way. Together with your generosity and the support of dedicated caregivers and volunteers, St. Elizabeth Hospice provides high-quality, compassionate care close to home. To learn more about Hospice services, please call (859)-301-4600. All donations to St. Elizabeth Foundation are tax deductible as allowed by law. Our tax identification number is 610445850. 100% of your tax deductible donation will go toward the work of St. Elizabeth Hospice. Please contact us if you wish to opt out of receiving any direct mail and/or telephone solicitations from St. Elizabeth Foundation. (859) 301-3920 stefoundation@stelizabeth.com www.stelizabeth.com/foundation
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