Mary Ruth (Patterson) McCoy, 88, passed away on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at Aspen Place Health Campus. She was born on June 4, 1930, in Rush County, the daughter of Stanley and Mary (Springmire) Patterson. She married Sutherland Robbins “Sud” McCoy on December 23, 1950, at the Kingston Presbyterian Church. He preceded her in death on April 5, 2002.
Mary Ruth was a 1948 graduate of Greensburg High School. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education from Ball State University where she was a member of Gamma Gamma Sorority. Mary Ruth enjoyed her career as an elementary school teacher, teaching fourth grade a total of 21 years - five years at Clarksburg Elementary (one of which she also served as principal) and the remaining years at North Decatur Elementary School. She was a sponsor of Little Hoosiers for many years.
Mary Ruth was active in the community. She was a member of the Springhill Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder, a past organist and was involved in the Church Women’s Association. She was a past 4-H leader and once served on the Greensburg-Decatur County Library Board. Mary Ruth helped organize and attended many of her Greensburg High School class reunions and also often helped at the polls on Election Day.
Other organizations she has been involved with include – Indiana and Decatur County Retired Teachers Associations, Delta Kappa Gamma, Tri Kappa, Lone Tree Chapter of DAR, Delta Theta Pi and Decatur County Rural Couples.
Mary Ruth was a devoted farmer’s wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed visiting with friends and family especially her grandchildren. Mary Ruth had a keen interest and memory of family and local history. Her very caring, gentle personality and good sense of humor will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Survivors include her two sons – Michael S. (Nita) McCoy and J. Scott (Paula) McCoy, both of Greensburg; one daughter - Cynthia (Gary) Beard of Greensburg; one brother - N. Eugene(Roberta) Patterson of Miami, Florida; seven grandchildren – Renee, Brady, Leslie, Brett, Ben, Katie and Kevin; and one great grandchild – Elias.
Visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, June 15, 2018 from 4PM – 8PM at the Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 10AM on Saturday, June 16 also at the funeral home, with Rev. Shannon Burford officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Springhill Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com.
