Ruth M. (McCormick) Ish

In Loving Memory of Ruth M. Ish

Ruth M. Ish passed away on September 23, 2025, in Elkins, WV at the age of 96, just 5 weeks short of her 97th birthday.  Ruth Marie McCormick was born on November 1, 1928, in McKees Rocks, PA to May and Henry Ray McCormick.  According to tales her mother told, she was born during a Halloween party.  She was a proud graduate of the Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing, earning her RN degree in 1949.  She married Robert J. Ish on June 11, 1955, and they initially lived near Washington DC.  She loved to tell the story of being a nurse for Jackie Kennedy while there.  They moved back to Pittsburgh to the Sheraden neighborhood to be close to family.  While working in Pittsburgh she said she put a band-aid on Roberto Clemente.  Mostly she worked the “women’s floor” at the hospital until she started a family and then worked weekends as a private duty nurse while Bob watched the kids.  She was a lifelong member of the Sheraden Community Presbyterian Church until it closed several years ago.  She supported the church in many ways, through the Woman’s group, luncheons, Vacation Bible School and candy sales.  She also demonstrated her love for others by helping her neighbors with nursing care, food and rides.

She is survived by two children, Susan Dederer Mullen (Tom) of Buckhannon WV, and Donald R. Ish (Ruth) of Ingram PA, four grandchildren, Katie Dederer, Julie Dederer, Teri Dederer and Amanda Ish, and two great-grandchildren, Aria Ish and Romeo Nussbaum.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob, and son, David R. Ish.

Ruth loved being a mother and Grandmother, loved to bake cookies for all of Bob’s customers and for school gatherings, and loved to babysit the grandkids.  Her family was the joy of her life.

There will be no public visitation, just a family gathering at her burial.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of her favorite charities, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (Stjude.org) or Brother’s Brother Foundation, 1200 Galveston Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.  Arrangements entrusted to the William F. Conroy Funeral Home, Inc., Burial and Cremation Services. 2944 Chartiers Ave., Sheraden.  Condolences may be shared online at www.wfconroyfuneralhome.com

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