Ruth McKinley died peacefully Wednesday, November 6, 2013 in Orchard Manor Nursing Home, Grove City, Pa. She was loved by all and will always be remembered by the lives she touched. Ruth was born April 27, 1921 to Guy and Elva Brown. She was raised during the Great Depression with her five brothers and four sisters in Bullion, Pa. She married William C. McKinley and together they had seven children, 17 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. 

Ruth was a true homemaker. When her many friends would stop in to visit, they were almost always met with a warm smile, a hot cup of coffee, and something amazing to eat. She was especially known for her decadent chocolate fudge and chocolate or coconut cream pies. She was an early winner of the Franklin's Applefest apple pie contest! 

Ruth gave to the community as well. Countless families in Clintonville can remember a hot casserole, Jell-O salad, or warm pie given to them in times of illness or sorrow. In the early 1970s, she worked alongside many other wonderful women of the Clintonville Volunteer Ladies Auxiliary. Ruth was a local organizer of the March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society for many years. She loved playing 500 and Canasta. Card playing with friends brought her much laughter and joy. She was also a member of the Union Presbyterian Church in Clintonville and the Order of Eastern Star.

Ruth was the ultimate mother and grandmother. She loved company! She especially loved the noise and confusion when her family, (and sometimes strangers) would cram inside her home on Christmas Day. Preparations would begin weeks ahead to make everyone's favorite cookies, grasshopper pies, and homemade noodles. 

Throughout the years, Ruth endured many hardships, but maintained her strength through them all. On Dec. 20, 1953, she stood outside in the snow with a full leg cast holding the hand of 3-year-old son, Larry, as their home burned to the ground. Four years later on July 10, 1957, Ruth's 11-year-old son, Ernest James, died from injuries due to a farming accident. Ruth survived the loss of her husband in 1984 and every one of her brothers and sisters. Her courage and strength was an example to all. Ruth continued to encourage others throughout her life. She was often heard to say, "No one ever died with too many friends."

Ruth is survived by her children, Elva Porter of Erie, Bill and his wife, Bonnie of Clintonville, Earle and his wife, Marsha of Polk, Pa., Larry and his wife, Shirley of Emlenton, Pa., Linda Kaylor and her husband, Dan of Clintonville, and Cinda Hammond and her husband, Michael of Grove City, Pa.; and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Ruth's family will receive friends at Larry E. McKinley Funeral Home, 109 Emlenton Street, Clintonville, Pa. on Sunday, November 10, 2013 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will take place at the Union Presbyterian Church, 409 Emlenton Street, Clintonville on Monday, November 11, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Family will receive friends an hour prior to the funeral at the church. 

Following Ruth's ways of reaching out to help others, donations can be sent to Jamie's Kids, in care of Virginia Garris Sharp, Esq., 1243 Liberty Street, Suite 320, Franklin, PA 16323 or to the charity of one's choice .

Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.mckinleyfuneralhome.net.