Ruth M. (Mathewson) Valentine

November 10, 2009

NEW BEDFORD – Ruth M. (Mathewson) Valentine, 97, of New Bedford, died unexpectedly Tuesday, November 10, 2009, at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford. She was the wife of the late Stanley Valentine. Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late John H. and the late Clarice (Jones) Mathewson, she lived most of her life in the city.

Mrs. Valentine graduated from New Bedford High School and later, from the Kinyon Campbell Business School, after which she then worked as the principal clerk at the New Bedford Welfare Department. She enjoyed traveling and taking bus trips with the YMCA Travel Club. She also enjoyed arts and crafts, such as painting and photography.

She is survived by three sons, John S., Robert and Raymond Valentine, all of New Bedford; three daughters, Mary Ann Valentine, Janet R. Ahola and her husband Arthur and Lois D. Ashley, themselves all of New Bedford; four grandchildren, George Ashley and Karen, David and Jeffrey Ahola; and two great-grandchildren, Morgan and Gabriel Ashley.

Funeral Information

Her funeral will be Friday, November 13, 2009, at 10:00AM in THE DONAGHY FUNERAL HOME, 465 County Street, New Bedford, followed by interment in Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford. Calling hours are Thursday, November 12, from 4:00-7:00PM in the funeral home. To LIGHT A CANDLE, SIGN THE MEMORIAL REGISTER, consult THE GRIEF LIBRARY, or obtain FACILITY DIRECTIONS, please log on to www.hathawayfunerals.com., or telephone 508/992-5486.