Ruth Ann McLaughlin

On April 13, 2026, the world lost a remarkable woman when Ruth Ann McLaughlin left this life to join the beloved family members who went before her. Though she is now at peace, her presence, laughter, and creativity will continue to shape the lives of all who loved her.

She was an extraordinary artist whose talent was undeniable and unforgettable. Her work captured the quiet beauty in every face and every landscape in a way that only she could. Family and friends now hold her art as treasured pieces of her spirit and lasting reminders of her creativity and her incredible gift.

Ruth Ann was also a self‑proclaimed “mountain mama,” fiercely proud of her West Virginia roots. She loved to entertain, loved to gather family and friends, and loved West Virginia sports with a passion that never faded. If the Mountaineers were playing, she was cheering them on and celebrating every moment. She also found joy in snow skiing, hiking, camping, and especially spending time at Camp Happy on the Middle Fork River, where she created countless memories and experienced some of the happiest moments of her life.

Following many years of enjoyment and remarkable views on Bernadette Mountain, Ruth Ann and her husband, William Thomas (Bill) McLaughlin, transitioned into a new phase of life in Bonita Springs, Florida. There, they built a close-knit circle of friends who quickly became like family. They loved to have fun, laugh and make the most of everyday. Among their favorite pastimes was playing bocce ball with their friends, a tradition that brought them happiness and many treasured memories.

Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bill, her sons William Thomas (Sam) and David Mark McLaughlin, her mother Inez Walker, and many other close family members and friends who welcomed her home with open arms.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and a great‑grandson, who were the pride of her life: Sara (Sally) Cline and her daughter Emily; Amy (Marty) Ball and their children Jessica and Andrew (MJ), and son Blake; Matt (Donna) McLaughlin and their daughter Jessica (Brandon) Settle and their sons Brody and Levi; Gretchen (Jamie) Stup and their children Hayden and Quinn; and Lisa Jenson and her son Jared. She also leaves behind her brother Gary Walker, sister‑in‑law Marian Kidd, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who loved her deeply. Ruth Ann lived boldly, loved fiercely, and created beauty everywhere she went. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone who was lucky enough to know her. Though she has moved on to a place of peace, the world she leaves behind is brighter because she was here.

We invite close family and friends to join the immediate family for a graveside service on June 20, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery, Fairmont, WV. A memorial luncheon will follow at the Fairmont Field Club at 12:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, Inc., PO Box 409, Morgantown, WV 26507 for the benefit of the Sam McLaughlin Scholarship Fund for the Arts.