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Ruth Irene Goss McKay was born in Peoria, Illinois on March 7, 1935, to her parents Velma Craig Goss and J. Fletcher Goss. She was raised in Peoria on the Illinois River bluff and delighted in the beauty of nature. She loved the outdoors and was a proud Girl Scout. Ruth attended Woodruff High School graduating in 1952. Her college of choice was Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois. She graduated in 1956 with a degree in Education / Sociology. That is where she met her future husband, Orville Dee McKay. They were married in 1958 in Peoria and lived in Aledo, Illinois for ten years. Their three sons Shawn, Joseph and Timothy were all born there. In 1968, the family moved to San Antonio, Texas, eventually settling in Grey Forrest, Texas where they enjoyed their wooded home in the country. Ruth taught for Northside School District from 1972 until 1999. In 1981, she completed her Master’s Degree in Guidance Counseling from the University of Texas, San Antonio, Texas. She was an active member of Forest Hills Presbyterian Church. She was an Elder, the organist for a time and enjoyed singing in the church choir. Her delight was spending time with family, friends and helping others, especially the elderly. Also, Ruth was an active member in PEO, Chapter Y. Ruth was a happy and proud mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt. She loved sporting events and was an avid cheerleader at every family member event. Also, she was an enthusiastic San Antonio Spurs fan. She loved watching these games in person and on television. Ruth peacefully went to be with Lord on March 19, 2025 in her residence at Blue Skies of Texas West. She was proceeded in death by her husband, her parents and sisters Jane Goss Shackelford and Mary Ethel Goss Beltman. She is survived by her sister Alice Goss Haznedl, her sons Shawn McKay (Lisa), Joseph McKay (Joyce) and Timothy McKay (Susan), her grandchildren Ryan McKay (Mari Eli), Rachael McKay Henry (Erik), Siobhan McKay Thierbach (Keio), Walker McKay and Maegan McKay, and her great grandchildren Ava May Henry, Molly Eliza Henry, Leia Marlenne McKay and Everlee Ruth Thierbach. A memorial service will be held at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, 13200 Bandera Road, Helotes, Texas on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. There will be a reception to follow the service in the Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in the memory of Ruth be made to Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, SAMMinistries or SA Food Bank.

Tributes

Ruth Irene Goss McKay

March 7, 1935 - March 19, 2025