Ruth Rose Galey

On Monday, July 11, 2016, Ruth R. Galey of Arlington, Va, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love at her home. Ruth was born in Massillon, Ohio, daughter of Rose Galey, sister to Otto, Eddie and Chuck Galey, Betty Hiegl and Trudy King. She was married to Joseph Charles Gorgos in 1944.

During WWII, Ruth migrated to Washington, D.C. She dedicated 40 years to civilian military service though a pioneering career for women in that profession that would eventually lead her to head up the Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG)’s Legislative Liaison office. Ruth was renowned as someone who, without fail, got the job done. She also became one of the few civilians to receive a lifetime membership in the Air Force Association.

When she retired in 1986, Ruth received a medal for Exceptional Civilian Service to the Department of the Air Force. An accompanying letter from then President Ronald Reagan said “you can take great pride in the example you have set for others.”

A joyous retirement was filled with Ruth’s passion for music, travel, and politics. She is remembered by many for her acts of kindness, charity, and compassion both personally and monetarily.

Ruth leaves behind countless lives that she graced and touched. None more so than her daughter, Devon Galey McCluskie, her granddaughter Gretchen Rachel Hammond, caring friend Aisha Haji, and the family cat Bijou. She will be missed, loved, cherished and remembered forever. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Capital Caring Hospice, or the Wounded Warrior Project. Services will be at a later date.