Ruth Purcell Neely

Of Mt. Lebanon, born on July 6, 1920, passed away on May 13, 2017, at the age of 96. She was the beloved wife of the late J. Maxwell Neely; daughter of the late Dorothea and Thomas Purcell; and sister of the late Doris Leathers. She will be sadly missed by her children, Ruth Erl, Barbara (David) Rennhoff, Eileen Neeley, M.D., Margaret "Peggy" Neely, John "Jack" (Jill) Neely, Thomas (Cynthia) Neely, Michael (Mary) Neely, and Christopher (Michelle) Neely. Her cherished grandchildren are Adam (Christina), Johanna, Daniel, and the late Laura Rennhoff, Matthew (Becky) and Ruthie Neely, Peter and Dylan Neely, Maxwell, Meredith (Colin), and Mason Neely, Erin, Siobhan, and Joseph Neely. Ruth has six dear great-grandsons, Billy and Baker Rennhoff, Oliver and Dylan Coates-Neely, and Logan and Connor Neely. She will also be missed by her many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and her sister-in-law, Mary Jane Neely. Ruth was a graduate of Mount Mercy College and worked briefly as a chemist before marrying and raising four daughters and four sons. In later years she worked at Our Lady of Grace School and local card shops. She volunteered in the community, being particularly active with Music for Mt. Lebanon. She has left a lovely legacy reflective of artistic talent consisting of her paintings and beautiful embroideries. The family is grateful for the kindness of the staff at Harbour Senior Living, and especially for the generosity of Norma. There will be no viewing and interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a favorite charity.