AVERY MARY RUTH Passed from this earth peacefully, on Friday, March 21, 2014, in Jacksonville, FL, surrounded by her family and listening to her favorite song, Sentimental Journey. Mary Ruth, age 85, was born in Hollister, FL to Oscar and Gertie Osteen Halverson. She was a loyal alumna of Melrose High School class of 1946. Mary Ruth was a longtime resident of Ponte Vedra, FL and Pittsburgh, PA and enjoyed her many years as an antiques dealer, TPC volunteer, and President of the Women's Auxiliary of the American Wind Symphony. She was proud of her status as a member of the Florida Pioneers Descendents Program and Wives of the Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army. She traveled extensively with her husband both domestically and internationally while meeting and entertaining many dignitaries over the years. Mary Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; and her parents. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Juelene and William T. Ballard; her children, Cynthia (Bernard) Hardy, Deborah Frena, Eric (Billie) Avery, and Sarah (Gregory) Perich; her grandchildren, Samantha (Matthew) Levitt, Georganna Frena, Erin Avery, James (Tammy) Avery, Mary (Jayme) Davis, Alexander Avery, Avery Perich, and Erica Perich; great- grandchildren, Ariana, Katherine, Maximillian, and Hunter; nephew, Zane Ballard; and numerous cousins. The family extends its warmest appreciation to the special caring staff of Community Hospice of Northeast Florida for the support provided to Mary Ruth and her family during the last days of her life at the Hadlow Center. A Celebration of Life will be held at HARDAGE - GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 11801 San Jose Blvd. in Jacksonville, FL, on May 31, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. and will be conducted by her cousin, Rev. L.D. Osteen. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, Mary Ruth asked that everyone cherish and support their family ties in her memory as "Family is the most important" and donations be made to the Jacksonville Humane Society because the little dogs do not have a voice and in honor of her beloved little schnauzer companion, Savannah. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223, www.hgmandarin.com, (904) 288-0025. Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb