Ruth M. McElwee

Ruth M. McElwee, 99, formerly of Hanover, passed away on March 15, 2026, at The Enclave at Cambridge Living Center. Born on September 6, 1926, in Cambridge, she was the daughter of the late William and Audrey (Blackburn) Hawkins. Ruth served faithfully as a secretary at Newark High School for many years and remained a devoted member of Southgate Church of Christ. She found her deepest fulfillment in the company of her family, especially in watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.

She is survived by her three children, Patricia (Jim) Auxier, Linda (Jerry) Dawson, and Jeff (Beth) McElwee; her grandchildren, Cindi, Lauri, Todd, Julie, Aaron, and Shannan; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Marjorie Carpenter; and several nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, V. Wayne McElwee, who died on September 8, 2014, as well as her parents and two sisters, Helen Warner and Bernadine Watson.