Mary Ruth McCarty (90) of Effingham
Published on September 10 2019 1:35 pm
Mary Ruth McCarty, 90, of Effingham, IL, passed away Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Evergreen Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Effingham, IL.
Mary Ruth’s life was celebrated along with her husband, Hubert, Sunday afternoon, September 8, 2019, at Church of Christ, 1311 S. Fourth Street, Effingham. Burial for Mary Ruth will be in Arborcrest Memorial Park in Effingham at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.
Memorials may be made to Prairie Heart Foundation in Effingham. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.
Mary Ruth was born on November 15, 1928, the daughter of Paul and Helen Ruth (McCann) Storm in Flora, IL. She married Hubert S. McCarty on December 5, 1947, and he preceded her in death on August 27, 2019.
Mary Ruth began her teaching career at the age of 17. She taught at the Kindergarten Center (the old post office) and at West Side School. She followed Hubert when he joined the Air Force in 1951 to Marietta, Georgia and then on to Bermuda. In 1955, when Hubert finished his tour, they returned to Effingham. In 1970, they moved to Winter Haven, Florida, and Mary Ruth taught school until her retirement in 1991. It was in Florida when she received the Teacher of the Year Award in 1984. Hubert and Mary Ruth enjoyed traveling, making many trips with their grandchildren. In their later years, they made many trips back to Winter Haven, Florida as snowbirds.
Mary Ruth enjoyed antiquing, collecting, and going to flea markets and garage sales. She was a member of Effingham Church of Christ for many years where she also taught Sunday School.
Mary Ruth leaves behind her daughter, Debbie (Craig) Mosher of Effingham; grandchildren, Catherine Tarr of Effingham, Bert (Lindsey) Durkin of Altamont, and Christine Durkin of Altamont; 6 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Musgrove, Douglas Musgrove, Stormy Durkin, Ivy Durkin, Isaiah Durkin, and Jazzy Lingafelter; one great-great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Lingafelter; sisters, Vivian (Richard) Hiles and Margaret Kirchhoffer; brother-in-law, William (Jan) McCarty; many nieces and nephews; church family; and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert; parents, Paul and Helen Storm; great-grandson, Andrew Joseph Durkin; brother-in-law, Gene Kirchhoffer; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, church family, and friends.