Ruth Alberta (Cochran) Ulmer

It is with great sadness that the family announces the unexpected death of Ruth “Ruthie” Cochran Ulmer on January 4, 2022 at the age of 90, after a short, hard-fought battle with cancer. Ruth was born September 30, 1931, to the late Edward “Ted” and Ruth V. Coulson Cochran of Coal Valley in Clairton, followed closely by the birth of her devoted sister, Lois Jean, nineteen months later. Ruth was the loving wife of 57 years to William C. Ulmer, whom she lost in 2008. She was pre-deceased by two infant brothers, Charles and William. Left to mourn her passing is her sister, Lois Jean, and her three sons: William E. (Kathleen) of Clairton, Craig L. (Barbara) of Pleasant Hills, and Kevin T. (Ginger) of Greenock. She leaves behind seven grandchildren to cherish her memory: William M. (Andrea Pomarico), Christopher L. (Roy Gloeckl), Ted (Danielle), Bennett (Andrew) Ulmer and Meghan (Vince) Grabe, Jillian (Ed) Cerilli and Hannah (Ryan) Glaser. Ruth was blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Reagan Kathleen, Zoe Barbara, Aaron Anthony, Taylor Anne, Maximo Thomas, Rocky Ace, Olive Reign, and (expected) Cole Lewis. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, whom she loved. She was a proud 1949 graduate of Clairton High School, a lifelong member of Pine Run United Methodist Church and was active in its Vacation Bible School, United Methodist Women’s group as well as one of the kitchen ladies. A longtime member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Amaranth lodges, she developed and maintained close friendships wherever she went. Ruth retired after 24 years of service with U.S. Steel at its Clairton plant and was then able to take several memorable trips throughout the U.S. with her and Bill’s close friends, Ed and Lois Basch, George and Audrey Porter and her sister and brother-in-law, Chuck and Lois Zwingler. She and Bill proudly flew the Grand Squares square-dancing flag on their car for decades, and Bill made tapes of the more difficult “calls” for them to practice. A strong athlete far into her retirement, she remained active until recently with walks around the neighborhood with local friends, and even bowled a 200 game with her Monday morning ladies’ bowling league as recently as 2019. She was a dedicated fan of the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. She cultivated long friendships with those from the AARP Wilson Chapter #1612, her “49’ers” high school luncheon crowd and a large circle of friends, staying in touch with daily or weekly phone calls- and she knew everyone’s phone number from memory. She was a hard-working woman of strength, determination, and faith, and has now joined Bill and her loved ones in Heaven. Unfortunately, her recipe for her Berry Roll goes with her. Friends will be received at the S.M. Finney Funeral Home at 432 N. 6th Street in the Wilson section of Clairton on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 from 2 to 8. Services will be conducted at Pine Run Methodist Church on Thursday, January 6 at 10 o’clock. Interment is to be at Jefferson Memorial Park beside her beloved Bill. If anyone cares to make a donation, please consider donating to Pine Run United Methodist Church, 901 N. 6th Street, Clairton, PA, 15025. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com.

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