Ruth Mary McHugh

Ruth McHugh was born September 12, 1926 in Evanston, IL to Stacey and Bernice (O’Brien) Irish. She graduated from Evanston Township High School in 1944. She attended Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, MI and Northwestern University, earning a degree in mathematics in 1948.

Ruth met her husband, Bob, of nearly 68 years at Northwestern. They were married in 1949 in Evanston, IL. Ruth worked to put Bob through law school at the University of Colorado. Then, after two years in Indiana for Bob’s military service, they settled in Colorado Springs in 1954.

Ruth was a founding member of the Assistance League of Colorado Springs, which works to transform the lives of children through community programs. She was especially proud of Operation School Bell which created the Bargain Box Thrift Shop to help clothe school children in the area. She worked countless hours there over the years and was awarded the annual Silver Bell Award for outstanding service and leadership.

There were many other volunteer and civic activities over the years, including serving as a classroom volunteer in School District 11. She enjoyed bridge, knitting, gardening and time at their mountain getaway in Breckenridge, CO. More than anything, she prioritized time with family and friends.

Ruth is survived by her two children, Steve (Kathy) McHugh and Jennifer (Dan) Taylor; 4 grandchildren, Erin, Kelly and Bobby (Micah) McHugh, and Ben (Hanna) Rather. She is blessed with 2 great-grandchildren, Payton and Aubrey McHugh. She is also survived by her sister Edy (Irish) Fleming and many nieces and nephews who loved her greatly.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Bob (2017), her parents and her sister Marian (Irish) Baird.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Chapel of Our Saviour, 8 Fourth Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Assistance League of Colorado Springs, 405 S. Nevada, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.