Ruth McKillen

Ruth MaryEdith Ritner McKillen entered into this world September 30, 1926 in the midst of a hurricane that caused widespread havoc in her hometown of Coral Gables, Florida (Ruth's mother was rescued from atop the kitchen table and taken to the hospital by rowboat to deliver). Perhaps that is why she always loved storms. In contrast to the exciting manner of her arrival, Ruth was peacefully called home on April 22, 2016 surrounded by many of her loved ones.

There was much joy and many adventures in the almost 90 years that filled the span between the two dates mentioned above. The third of four children born to John Reynolds and Mary Edith Ritner,, Ruth's early childhood, school years and young adulthood were spent in Morris Plains, NJ. School years were filled with academic excellence, watching her brothers go to war, running hurdles and service in the Civil Air Patrol. Ruthie met her husband Jim in late 1957 and they were married June 10, 1958. Their happy duo expanded quickly as they welcomed five children - Kathy, Peggy, Nancy, Lois and Jim by the fall of 1966, Most notably, Ruth was an exemplary wife and mother. She was also a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, grandmother and friend. A committed Christian and long-time active member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Ruth shared her love through teaching Sunday School, chairing tasting suppers and advent workshops and faithfully serving as a Stephen's minister. Keen intelligence and impressive administrative skills also allowed her to enjoy a successful professional career as an executive secretary with several major corporations in 3 states when not occupied raising her children or caring for her mother,

Ruth leaves behind Jim, her partner of almost 58 years, her five children - Kathleen, Peggy, Nancy, Lois and Jimmy, nine grandchildren - Kevein, Shannon, Lauren and Nate, Jacob, Seth, Mariel, Christine, Grace and Jennifer, 3 son-in-laws and 1 daughter-in-law - Cliff, Steve and Richard and Lisa, sister Natalie and brother-in-law Bud and 2 sisters-in-law Faith and Petie as well as many nieces and nephews and many special friends.

A loving mother and wife, faithful friend, wonderful cook, accomplished seamstress, voracious reader, lover of babies (and terriers) and lifelong practitioner of boundless hospitality. Ruth touched the lives of many outside of the family listed above. She will be remembered with laughter, smiles, admiration and love.