​​Hockey Mom Foundation  

Ruth Duke

Ruth Duke was the mother of three hockey playing boys. She grew up and lived through early adulthood on the east side of Toronto. Ruth and her husband Jim moved to States when their boys were young and continued their dedication to furthering their sons' hockey careers as they grew up in Williamsville, New York.

Ruth's passion was her family. She consistently made an effort to round up her ever-growing family, driving hours to watch hockey games, dance recitals, and graduation ceremonies. No stranger to the road, a day trip from Cleveland, Ohio to Albany, New York was routine in the life of this Hockey Mom and Grandmother. Her seven grandchildren could always count on Grandma Ruth to be there for their biggest moments.

As the new generation of hockey playing Dukes mature, they will always remember the love she readily gave and the hours she spent in the stands. In the time between face-offs, Ruth was a talented painter, an exceptional friend, and a citizen of the world, taking several overseas trips with her close friends, The Gators. She embodied what a Hockey Mom truly is, and this foundation works in honor of a great woman taken too soon by breast cancer.  ~Ruth's Grandson, Ryan Duke