Ruth Y. McElhattan, 96 of Punxsutawney died Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital, in Pittsburgh, PA.
She was born August 12, 1929, in Quincy, Massachusetts, the daughter of the late Wilber and Hilda (Amsler) McElhattan.
She was a graduate of Knox High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania along with her Master’s degree from Clarion University. She was the Reading Specialist at Punxsutawney Area School District.
Ruth was a member of the Woodland Avenue United Methodist Church. At the request of the Rev. Roger Saunders, Ruth and her husband, Ray started the Woodland Avenue Methodist Food Pantry. They served in that capacity for fifteen years and were always grateful for the faithful volunteers who helped during that time.
Ruth is survived by two sons, Bruce McElhattan (Susan) of Pittsburgh, Kevin McElhattan of Pittsburgh, and a daughter, Kristin Crawford (Wesley) of Zelienople: three grandsons, David McElhattan (Swati Srivastava), John McElhattan (Matt Elwell), and Alex (Carly) Crawford; and a sister Patricia Price of Rhinebeck, New York.
In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond L. McElhattan, Sr, her son, Raymond L. McElhattan, Jr, her brother Dale E. McElhattan, and brother-in-law, John Price.
There will be no services held per Ruth’s request. Arrangements are under the direction of the Deeley Funeral Home, Punxsutawney.
Interment will be in Knox Union Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests making a memorial gift in support of AHN Hospice & Palliative Care. To give online, please visit supportAHN.org/hospice. Checks made payable to Allegheny Health Network with AHN/Memory with loved one’s name in the insert mailed to: AHNOODEV Office of Development, PO Box 535604, Pittsburgh, PA 15253.
The family would also like to thank the staff at AMPM Personal Care Home, Delancey, PA for their love, compassion and continued support and kindness.
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