Ruth E Cassidy

STAUNTON, VA…  Ruth Edna (Ashburn) Cassidy, 95, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at her residence at Brightview Baldwin Park.  She was the widow of Howard Russell Cassidy who preceded her in death after 67 years of marriage.  She was born February 8, 1922 in Reedsville, West Virginia, a daughter of the late James and Edna (Cobin) Ashburn.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Pauline Wotring and Mae Harding.  Family members include a loving son, Howard R. Cassidy, Jr. and wife, Carole, of Princeton, WV; a devoted daughter, Martha Jean Worsham and husband, J.D., of Richmond; a cherished granddaughter, Sarah Mertz Anderson; and three adored great-grandsons, James Michael, Luke Philip, and Paul Matthew Anderson. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.  Prior to retirement, Mrs. Cassidy was employed as a librarian for the blind department at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind in Staunton.  In 1967, she established the first tactile center in the library allowing blind and partially sighted students to touch objects, such as animal fur, a totem pole, the face of Abraham Lincoln, and countless other projects to better understand the stories they were reading.   A memorial service will be conducted by the Reverend Taylor Mertins at 2 p.m. Monday, April 3, 2017 in St. John’s United Methodist Church.  A private burial will be held at Morgan Memorial Park in Reedsville, West Virginia at a later date.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church. A reception will follow the service.  Memorials may be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 1716 North Augusta Street, Staunton, VA 24401.