Ruth McCormick

Asheville – Mary Ruth McCormick ended her celebration of this life and began her celebration of eternal life with God, on March 29, 2005. In her 88th year and surrounded by her family, she passed away under the tender care of the Solace staff. Mary Ruth and her husband, James, moved to Asheville in the early 1960’s when James built the Ball Brothers Plant and became its first manager. They moved to Laguna Beach, California where she worked for the U.S. Government, Fish and Wildlife Department. After the death of James, she returned to Asheville in 1987 to be close to her son, James, Jr. An active volunteer, she spent many hours at Habitat for Humanity and later for the Lewis Rathbun Center. Many charities were beneficiaries of her giving spirit. She was an active, dedicated member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church. She is lovingly remembered by her son, James, Jr. and daughter Mary Anne, both of Asheville, her daughter Ruth and grandchildren Nathaniel and Sherye, all of Seminole, Florida. She is also survived by her siblings, Aileen, Frances, William, Patricia and Ann. A Celebration of Life Mass will be said by the Rev. Roger Arnsparger at 11:00 am Saturday at St. Barnabas Catholic Church. The family will greet friends following the mass In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Habitat for Humanity, 30 Meadow Road, Asheville, NC 28803 or to the Lewis Rathbun Center, 121 Sherwood Road, Asheville, NC 28803 or to Mountain Area Hospice, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.