CHARLESTON, IL – Ruth Irene McKevitt (nee Armstrong), age 96 years, passed peacefully on June 9, 2021, at home in Charleston, Illinois. Ruth, lovingly known to family as Tee-Wee was born June 11, 1924, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi to Clarence Austin and Minnie Armstrong.
Ruth had a long career working for the federal government in various agencies including the Department of Defense at the Pentagon. She also volunteered as a Gray Lady for the Red Cross during World War II. She often spoke of her career with pride, however she found purpose in her family.
She is survived by her 5 children, Karl Sidney Perry, Kathy Schmitz, son-in-law Jim Schmitz, Patti Abbatiello, Tom McKevitt, Mary Jo Tracy, son-in-law Morrison Tracy; 13 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Charles Armstrong.
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Austin and Minnie Armstrong, and her sisters, Ruby Farrar and Jean Jones.
Ruth was known to be shy and gentle, but also independent, quick witted, and adventurous. She was incredibly generous, which she attributed to her Mama and Daddy. She was an avid reader, especially westerns and mysteries, although she was also fond of a good Harlequin romance novel! She would often read an entire book on the bus ride to work! Ruth enjoyed picnics, Southern cooking, sewing, and traveling to visit family. She loved sharing stories about her life and pouring over old pictures of the people she loved. She reveled in getting everyone together for the holidays at her house, where so many wonderful and treasured memories were made.
Our beloved mother and grandmother will be greatly missed, but her generosity, kind spirit, and warmth will live on through those whose lives she touched.
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