Ruth McGrath Wharton

On Saturday, January 2, Ruth McGrath Wharton was called to her heavenly home.

Ruth was born September 17, 1926, to John and Mary Gray. She graduated from Altoona High School in 1944. In 1949, she married her first husband, Jerry McGrath who passed away in 1982. During their 33 years of marriage, they had 6 children and lived in the Butler area. In the 60’s and 70’s, she worked as an Avon District manager. Later she spent a few years in real estate. She held offices in Jr. Women’s Club and the Intermediate League. She was one of the first women to be both a Lector and Eucharistic Minister for St. Paul’s Church. 

In 1984, she married Paul Wharton. From 1984 to 1999, she and Paul lived in St. Marys, PA, where she served on the hospital board and auxiliary. Their years together took them on many trips around the world. They spent most of their winters in their condo in the Boca Raton area. After returning to Butler, her summers were spent golfing as a member of the Armco/Oakview Golf Club and the Stoughton Sunrise Leagues. 

 Over the years, Ruth also enjoyed duplicate bridge, bingo, and dancing. But her best times were those spent with family and friends. She was an awesome mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. 

Ruth was a lifelong Catholic and most recently was a member of St. Andrew RC Church.

Surviving are her husband, Paul, Kathleen (John) Rutkoski in Butler, Sandra Rishor in Beaverton, Oregon, Greg McGrath in Blandon, PA, Paul McGrath in Flowery Branch, GA, Denise Stevenson in Troy, AL, Scott (Kim) McGrath in Houston, TX, and her stepson, Kevin Wharton in Butler. She also had 17 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. 

Preceding her in death were her parents, her sister, Marian, and first husband, Jerry. 

Private Services were held for her family. Entombment was in the Mausoleum of Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 East Cunningham Street, Butler.

In Lieu of Flowers, Donations are requested to be sent to the Butler Meals on Wheels program.

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