Friday, March 29, 2024

Obituary of Ruth E. McNichol

Name of Deceased Ruth E. McNichol
Age
Date of Death 03/09/2011
Date of Birth 08/01/1921
Funeral Home Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral Service

Ruth E. McNichol was suddenly called home to be with the Lord on March 9, 2011 after a lengthy illness. She passed away after a brief stay at the Fairways, but resided with her daughter and son-in-law in Boalsburg and State College since 1980.

She was born Ruth Elizabeth Cloud on August 1, 1921 in Chester, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Elizabeth May Boughner and William Samuel Cloud. She always said she was born at home in the “bay window, second floor.”

Ruth suffered from rheumatic fever as a young child, which damaged her heart valve. She was bedfast and missed 2 years of school. She was told throughout her life by many doctors that she would not live a normal lifespan and would not be able to survive childbirth. In 1951, she gave birth to her only child, a daughter. In 1995, she suffered congestive heart failure and was not expected to live. Dr. Jeffrey Eaton cared for her and sent her to Hershey Medical Center by Life Flight where they did open heart surgery to repair the damaged valve. She always credited Dr. Eaton with acting quickly to save her life and always appreciated the care and attention he gave her. She thought of him not only as her doctor, but as her friend. Through all of this, she beat the odds and was able to enjoy a full life with her family and her many friends.

Ruth received Christ as her savior when she was a young girl. She attended Sunday School and youth group at Trinity Methodist Church, where her faith rooted and grew. She recalled those days as some of the happiest times of her life. Ruth was a “prayer warrior,” and people would often ask her to pray for their specific needs. Her strong faith in God was the guiding force in her life.

After graduating from Chester High School, she worked at General Steel in Philadelphia. She met many friends there and still kept in touch with some of them up until the present.

On November 9, 1946, she married Charles Edward (Mac) McNichol, Jr. They were happily married for 47 years until his death in 1993. Ruth’s family was always a high priority for her. She was the sole caregiver for her aging parents while she was a young wife and mother herself. She and Mac took her mother into their home for many years before Elizabeth died. When Mac fell ill, Ruth was his loving caregiver for over 5 years until his death.

Ruth resided with her daughter and her family for the past 20 years. She always lavished her affections on all of them. She especially adored her six grandchildren and was grateful to be around for the birth of her only great-grandchild in November 2009. Even people who were not related to her referred to her as "Grandma Ruth." She was everyone's Grandma. Ruth attended Calvary Baptist Church with her family and was blessed by the congregation and the preaching there.

Ruth was a rare person with a sunny disposition and a smile to match. She never had a bad word to say about anyone. She was a wonderful friend who possessed the gift of being able to listen to people without criticizing. Once Ruth was your friend, she was your friend for life. She was always a loving and caring influence on her household. She had a wonderful sense of humor and could always laugh, even at herself. She had a real soft spot in her heart for animals, especially her beloved dogs Casey, Molly, and Dewey.

Ruth was extraordinarily kind and thoughtful to others. She went out of her way to remember the people in her life with goodies and gifts. She faithfully brought Eat ‘N’ Park smiley cookies for the girls who did her hair at Regis Salon. She remembered her caregivers with little gifts. She brought treats for her whole exercise class when she attended Clyde Doll’s Fitness for Seniors. It was not unlike Ruth to buy lunch for a total stranger. Ruth’s hobby was corresponding with friends by hand writing long letters and sending greeting cards for every holiday and occasion.

Ruth was predeceased by her brother William Cloud in 1997 and his wife Della in 2008. She is survived by her daughter, Sally McNichol Roe and her husband John D. Roe of State College. She is survived by her grandson, Jeffrey Roe, his wife Kathy and their daughter Mia, all of State College, her granddaughter, Carly Roe, grandson Kenneth Roe, granddaughter Darina Roe and granddaughter Lara Roe, all of State College. She is also survived by a granddaughter Julia Roe of Harrisburg. Also surviving are a niece, Barbara White and her husband Tom of Wallingford, and nieces Joy, Judy, and Jeanne Lundin, and nephew Bill Lundin, all of California.

She will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched. We are sad that her earthly journey has ended, but we rejoice in the knowledge that her eternity with Christ has just begun.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2011, beginning at 2 PM at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA 16801 with a Memorial Service to follow at 4 PM with Pastor Dan Nold officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church Missions Fund at 1250 University Drive, State College, PA 16801 or to Centre Wildlife Care, P.O. Box 572, Lemont, PA 16851.

A guestbook can be signed and condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.