Ruth Ellen McCoy

Ruth Ellen (Wilcox) McCoy, a friend to anyone she could strike up a conversation with, peacefully went home to be with Jesus in the early hours on October 17th, 2025 at the age of 89. She was born at the family home in Conesville, Ohio, on December 5th, 1935.

Ruth was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and would brag about her loved ones during any given opportunity. She was very independent and led her family by example, teaching them to be resourceful, giving, and welcoming. Once her mind was set on something, you would find great difficulty in trying to deter her.

Ruth was honored to be a graduate of Conesville High School in Ohio in 1953, and after a decade-long journey she earned her Bachelor's in Business from Malone College at the age of 59 years old. She was extremely proud of this accomplishment and was later able to use the degree to get a certificate in substitute teaching. She loved helping the local schools after retiring at the age of 62 and teaching young students; she had high standards and expected every student to put forth their best.

Prior to retirement, she worked for many years at AK Steel (now Cleveland-Cliffs) as a buyer. Following retirement, in addition to substitute teaching, she was heavily involved in: volunteering at and participating in the Coshocton Senior Citizen Center and Travel Club, volunteering as a tax consultant through AARP, serving as a poll worker at countless local elections, serving many years as the church financial secretary, and providing rides to anyone in need so they could purchase groceries, attend church, or attend medical appointments. She found great joy in each opportunity she pursued in serving others.

Ruth's devotion to her son Thomas was evident in everything she did. They were like two peas in a pod, traveling together and sharing countless adventures. She became an avid Ohio State fan simply because he was, cheering alongside him with genuine enthusiasm. Ruth attended his meetings, knew all his friends by name, and loved his close friends like they were her sons from another mother. Whatever Thomas was involved in, Ruth was right there supporting him, whether it was professional organizations or personal interests. Their bond was a beautiful testament to the special relationship between a mother and son.

In addition to all of her time given to help others, she still found time to be extremely social and enjoyed spending time with the Red Hat Ladies, exercising at Curves, traveling with the Senior Center, reading anything (especially thrifted books she could buy for a dime), supporting local activities, watching many sports played by her grandchildren, and cheering on any professional Ohio team with her son. Ruth was an avid people-watcher and had an ever-ready conversation with anyone who crossed her path. She believed you should never be bored as there was always something to see, someone to talk to, or something to read.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Charles Francis Wilcox Sr. and Sarah Jane Wilcox, step-mother Martha E. Wilcox, ex-husband Thomas Royce McCoy, siblings Della Mae Wilcox and Charles Francis Wilcox Jr., and brothers-in-law Bob Wiandt and John Davis.

She is survived by her devoted son Thomas Randall McCoy and daughter-in-law Jade McCoy, siblings Carol (Grover) Taylor, Kenny (Pat) Wilcox, Wilma Wiandt, Wanda Davis, grandchildren Ashley Shaw, Wesley (Katelyn) McCoy, Shannon (Zach) Collum, Sarah (Jacob) Triplett, and great-grandchildren Sophia McCoy, Lucas McCoy, Lydia Collum, Lily Collum, Matthew Collum, Cooper Triplett, and Lucy Triplett. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including special nieces Terry Taylor and Shirley (Kevin) Courtright, with whom she shared countless cherished moments throughout the years.

Ruth proudly supported any group or organization her son or grandchildren were involved with. She was a member of the Rotary Club of Marshalltown and was designated a Paul Harris Fellow, and was a Gold Knight with the MDRT Foundation. In lieu of memorials, those wishing to honor Ruth's legacy of service and generosity may make donations to the MDRT Foundation, 325 W. Touhy Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068 or at www.mdrtfoundation.org, or to the West Lafayette Fire Fighter Association, 113 East Railroad Street, West Lafayette, Ohio 43845. These organizations exemplified the spirit of community service that Ruth championed throughout her life.