Ruth L. McLaughlin

Ruth L. McLaughlin (nee Ertle), age 98, originally from Pittsburgh, PA, went home to be with her Lord on July 8, 2026. She passed away in her sleep at home with her daughter, Lisa, while living in the Cleveland area. Ruth was born and raised in Avella, PA, Washington County and graduated from Avella High School in 1946. She attended Bethany College briefly before leaving to begin to build her family. Building a loving home filled with memories and challenges, Ruth enjoyed pencil drawing, taking walks, journaling, reading, bird watching, flower gardening, cooking, being with family, engaging in church activities, Bible studies and spending time at the ocean. Her love for the beach and the power of the water cleansed her soul and grounded her. She would take long beach walks looking for shells and admiring God’s creation. The only thing Ruth loved more than her husband and family was her Lord Jesus Christ. She was born again and spirit filled and pursued Jesus as a best friend, Savior, Healer, Comfort and Lord. She grew deep in her faith with help from Baldwin United Presbyterian Church, Orchard Christian Fellowship, Jesus Fellowship, Carpenter’s Home Church and Good News Fellowship. Ruth was active in these churches and served her congregations, pastors and the Lord with her whole heart. She was known for sending letters of encouragement, faith and support to friends and family and for sharing the Gospel in hopes that all would come to love the Lord. Ruth is survived by her 5 children: Sandy (Bill) Rynkiewicz, Carole Christian, Michael (Danae) McLaughlin, Tim (Dawna) McLaughlin and Lisa McLaughlin; her 10 grandchildren: David (Lynne) Rykiewicz, Dan (Judy) Rynkiewicz, Tammy (Tareque) Khaleque, Lori (John) Rieger, Heather (Susanta) Bhowmik, Bob Christian, Amorema Simpson, Taryn (Danny) McLaughlin-Holmes, Amanda (Mark) Oberstoetter and Taylor (Josh) Wilson. Ruth had 16 great-grandchildren: Eli, Sophia, Sebastian, Shane, Alexa, John III, Ross, Troy, Amber, Lauren, Grace, Robert Jr., Maddie, Luke, Ada and June. And she was blessed with 1 great-great-grandchild in Lauralei. Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Joseph P. McLaughlin, who passed in 2019. Also preceding Ruth in death were parents Nicholas and Jean (nee Young) Ertle, her brother Walter and sister-in-law June (nee Batolo) Ertle, her sister Kathleen and brother-in-law Duke Wyman, her beloved son-in-law William Rynkiewicz, grandson Billy Rynkiewicz, and her precious grand-dog Tiberius. A celebration of Ruth’s life and home going to Heaven will be held at GRIFFITH FUNERAL HOME, INC., 5636 Brownsville Road, (at 6th St.) South Park Twp. (412) 655-4600. Visitation will be Friday, July 17, 2026 from 3:00-7:00 pm and the funeral service will be at 11:00 am Saturday, July 18, 2026 officiated by Pastor John Custer of the Orchard Christian Fellowship, followed by burial in Jefferson Cemetery. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to any of the following in Ruth’s memory: Reserve Care/Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland, OH, Lake County Dog Shelter, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Wounded Warrior Project or other veterans organizations. Condolences may be offered for the family at www.GriffithFH.com

Ruth L. McLaughlin

June 21, 1928 - July 8, 2026