Obituary for
Ruth Irene McKinney
Ruth Irene McKinney, 91 of Sebastian, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 27, 2017. She was born to the late Courtney Joseph and Carolyn Maxwell (Henne) on February 18, 1926. Ruth graduated from High School in Astoria, Queens and went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Brooklyn College. Ruth married the late Richard Bruce McKinney in 1958 and they lived happily together in Rockland County, New York before retiring to Sebastian, Florida.
Ruth was devoted to her husband Bruce and they built a beautiful life together. They loved to antique and Ruth enjoyed creating miniature furniture for dollhouses and jewelry making. Ruth’s organizational skills were a marvel and we all loved to see how she organized facet of her life.
After Bruce’s death in 2010, Ruth volunteered at Squidly’s Books in Sebastian, Florida. She initially volunteered to stay busy but was thrilled to meet so many wonderful people through her volunteering efforts. Tom and Donna Haynes were the owners of the bookstore and quickly welcomed Ruth into their family. In addition to Tom and Donna, Ruth was blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends; Karen Joeckle, Dorothy and Jake Seeman, Marge Scaramuzzi, Alex Rabais and many others. Ruth and Bruce’s favorite restaurant was Country Ham and Eggs on Route I in Sebastian. They were the first customers on the day the restaurant opened and knew everyone who worked there.
Ruth is survived by her sister in law, Faye Maxwell of Tucson, Arizona and her nieces and nephews; Susan Maxwell and Diane Krieger, Gary and Cathy Ward, Robert and Angela Maxwell and Donald and Darlene Maxwell and many great and great, great nieces and nephews.
Ruth was a feisty woman and in typical style, she communicated in writing her wishes; no viewing, no memorial service, just like Bruce. All who knew her will miss Ruth’s kindness, quick wit and presence.
In lieu of flowers, if you desire, donations made be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Sebastian.
Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to visit Ruth’s memorial page at www.seawindsfh.com.
