Ruth C. (Phillips) McKelvey of Seaford passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, April 17, 2022, at Genesis Center in Seaford. She was born on June 11, 1932 in Bethel, daughter of the late Velma P. Airey.
Ruth was raised in Seaford by her beloved grandparents, Rial and Elsie Phillips and graduated from Seaford High School with the class of 1950. On July 19, 1952, she married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” McKelvey, at St. Luke’s Church in Seaford. Ruth was employed as a secretary for Southern States Feed Mill, retiring after more than 30 dedicated years of service.
Ruth was an avid traveler and loved relaxing on the beach, toes in the sand, soaking up the sun. She also enjoyed shopping and dancing. Above all, Ruth cherished time spent with those she held most dear, especially her adored grandchildren. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. Loved by many, she will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know her.
In addition to her mother and grandparents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Robert M. McKelvey; and her brothers, Billy, Bobby, and Vernon Shorter. She is survived by her daughter, Terry Lee M. Tull (Steve); her grandchildren, Heather L. Tull (Justin) and Steven “Stevie” R. Tull II; and her special friend, Jack Mears.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 12 at 11 a.m. at Watson-Yates Funeral Home, a Parsell Family Funeral Home, 609 East King Street, Seaford, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow the services at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Seaford.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, masks are required and social distancing protocols must be observed by all persons participating in any aspect of the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Delaware/Maryland Easter Seals, 22317 DuPont Boulevard, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Please visit Ruth’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.