Remembering Ruth Chastney McHenry

Ruth Chastney McHenry of Philomont, VA, a well- known physical therapist medical provider, passed away on April 7, 2024, she was 83. Ruth was born in Athol, Massachusetts November 1, 1940.

She was dedicated to her loving husband James (Ray) McHenry, and a devoted mother to her sons, Duncan H. McHenry and John R. McHenry both of Philomont, VA. She is also survived by her wonderful grand-daughter, Josephine Anna McHenry of Hamilton, VA and brother, Alfred J Chastney of Royalston, Massachusetts. Ruth was preceded in death by her father, John J. Chastney, and her mother, Nellie Anna Brazaukas.

Ruth attended Athol High School where she graduated with high honors. She then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Connecticut graduating in 1962.
She had a fulfilling career in the physical therapy and rehabilitation medical field, starting at Helen Hays Rehabilitation Hospital in West Haverstraw, NY, then moving to Miami, FL in 1963 to work with the “Crippled Children Society” in their school therapy and rehabilitation program.

She met and married her husband Ray while in Miami. They relocated to Loudoun County and settled in Philomont in 1971. Ruth worked through the Loudoun County Health Department in Home Health Therapy Rehabilitation until 1988.

Ruth then founded her own private practice, “Leesburg Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine” with locations in Leesburg, Lansdown and Purcellville, VA. She sold her practice in 1998, but continued to work part time, helping her private practice physical therapy friends until 2005.

Ruth enjoyed traveling, cooking, boating and fishing, reading, playing cards and being with her many friends that she so richly cherished. She will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her successful career in physical therapy, and her love for all of her friends. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that contributions be made in her name to: Inova Health Foundation Neuroscience, 8095 Innovation Parkway, Fairfax VA, 22031 or online @ join.inova.org/neuroandspine.

A memorial mass will be held for Ruth at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church 37730 St. Francis Court Purcellville, VA 20132 on Wednesday April, 24 at 11 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life reception at Magnolia’s restaurant in Purcellville, VA.