Ruth McNelis

Ruth Quimby McNelis, a resident of Little Falls, N.J. passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
She was born on April 25, 1949 in Paterson, N.J. to the late Joseph & Jacquelyn (nee Johnston) Quimby.
Ruth graduated from Passaic Valley Regional High School in 1967 and studied Early Childhood Education at William Paterson University graduating with the class of 1971. Ruth went on to teach elementary school and was a school librarian for 33 years at Paterson Public Schools.
Ruth loved living in Little Falls and was always giving back to her community when she could. She enjoyed being a member of the Jolly Seniors group, where she was President. Ruth, at one time belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary for the Little Falls United Methodist Church.
In her free time, Ruth enjoyed knitting, crocheting, gardening, reading good books, watching wrestling matches and antiquing. She also was an animal lover who owned many cats and dogs throughout her lifetime.
Ruth is predeceased by her husband Robert J. McNelis, her sister Jean Huff of Morristown, NJ, and her parents Jacquelyn & Joseph Quimby.
She is survived by her sister, Anne Q. Richards of Wilton, Ct, a cousin, Annabel Koch of Glenshaw, PA, a niece Jeanne Huff of Morristown, and nephews Charles, William and Philip T. Richards from Connecticut. Ruth is also survived by her beloved dog, Molly, who is now being cared for by a family member.
The family would like to extend a big thank you and gratitude to Ruth's neighbor, Mary Hager as well as other neighbors and friends who helped her before and during her illness.
There will be a celebration of life service on Saturday, December 6, 2025, starting at 1:00 p.m. at Little Falls United Methodist Church, 139 Main Street, Little Falls, N.J.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ruth should be made to: Friends of the Shelter, P.O. Box 4923, Clifton, N.J. 07015-4923 or to Little Falls Jolly Seniors, Civic Center, 19 Warren Street, Little Falls, N.J. 07424.