Ruth Ann Parrish

Ruth was born on October 22, 1957 in Pittsburgh, PA and moved to Jacksonville, FL in 1998. She graduated from Penn Hills High School.

Ruth married the love of her life Lewis Parrish on January 21, 2005, gaining a daughter, son, and five grandchildren.

She was an Administrative Assistant at Jendoco Construction Corporation in Pittsburgh, PA for over 20 years. In 1998, she moved to Jacksonville, FL to be closer to her sister, her “person”. Ruth was instrumental in developing a family owned business, McGovern’s Maintenance. To say that she was an Executive Administrator does not even come close to accurately describing her knowledge and life experiences to make this business thrive. She worked for this company for 26 years up until her passing.

Ruth had a zest for life. She was always willing to experience new adventures. She loves sports and going to Jaguar games, Nascar races, and never missed an opportunity to watch her hometown Steelers play. Lewis and Ruth were always on the go with their travels. Cruising became an annual tradition to celebrate their love. Their travels included visiting family as often as possible, making trips to North Carolina, Indiana, and Pittsburgh. Her love for family goes deeper than anyone can imagine.

A strong woman is one who feels deeply and loves fiercely. This was our Ruth. Although she never had children, she loved her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren as if they were her own. She never missed milestones from birth to weddings, graduations, and every special event in their lives.

Ruth’s greatest passion in life was her family. She loved and cared for everyone equally with her whole heart. She loved all animals unconditionally, especially her precious dogs, cats, and birds. She was everyone’s go to person. She was fair, reliable, honest, non-judgmental, loyal, elegant, and the epitome of what we all strive to be.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Lewis G. Parrish; Lawrence Gorski (Margie); Bill “Pap” McGovern; Brenda Gorski; Inous S. Parrish, Lori (Don) Harrow; Lewis G. Parrish, Jr “JR”; Christopher Harrow, Patrick (Laura) Harrow, Kevin Harrow, Madison Parrish, Emily Parrish, Billy (Lisa) McGovern, Kim (Bob) Brindle, Mary Jo (Darren) Beatty, Jason Gorski, Kirsten (Tom) Bauernfeind, and her great nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by Stanislaus Gorski, Josephine Kraszewski, Stephanie “Stevie” McGovern, Arthur Gorski, Stan Gorski, Jaimie Gorski Palmieri, Vivian (Inous) Parrish, and Bob Mazza.

Memorial service will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ruth’s memory to The Jacksonville Humane Society, 8464 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32216 or go to JaxHumane.org – Go under “How to Help”, then “Donate” then “Monetary”, then “Optional Designations” (Honorariums and Memorials).