Mary Ruth Herriott

May 8, 1936 - November 1, 2015

Beloved wife, mother and grandmother Mary Ruth Herriott was born in Youngstown, Ohio and was raised in nearby Hartford on a farm.

She loved animals and worked with all the farm animals, and in her teenage years she joined a travelling performing horse troupe call the White Horse Troup. She became enamored with performing animals and life on the road. Upon her high school graduation in Hartford, Ohio, she joined the circus and performed with horses, ponies, dogs, elephants, goats, and as an aerialist. It was there she met and married John Herriott, who along with his father was the horse trainer. They married soon after in the center ring of the circus. Together they raised 4 daughters all of whom followed in their parents footsteps. Mary Ruth, along with her husband and family toured and performed with every circus small and large in the United States as a feature equestrian, animal presenter, and with her signature poodle and pony act. She taught all her daughters aerial acts as well. In the late 1990’s she received the Gold Medal for best animal attraction at the Sarasota Circus Festival riding her beautiful appaloosa Apache Bandolero.

Mary Ruth, a beautiful, strong and amazing woman, and the matriarch of her family, worked as a partner with her husband, while raising her daughters.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, John Herriott, mother MaryJane Steffey, sister Shirley Walp and brother Pete Steffey.

Survived by her four daughters Laura Herriott, Cindy Wells, Heidi Herriott-Koch, and Cristine Plunkett all of whom continue on with the family tradition.

Also survived by 10 grandchildren: John John, Jason, Jennifer, Tyler, Star, Cassidy, Jesse, Cole, Breana, and Veronica; as well as two great grandchildren LJ and Jason; and brother Bill James.

A memorial service will be held on Mon. Nov. 9, 2015 at 4 pm in The Legacy Room at Palms-Robarts Funeral Home with a reception to follow at Showfolks of Sarasota Club, 5204 Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34234