Ruth M. Clancy

On Saturday January 7, 2023 Ruth Marie Clancy of Arlington Heights passed away at the age of 94. Ruth was predeceased by Jack Clancy, Ret. Battalion Chief, CFD, her loving husband of 65 years and was the daughter of Ethel and James Fruin and sister to James (Gloria) Fruin. She was the proud mother of 8 children - Kathy (John) Fischer, Jack (Bobbi) Clancy, Mary Pat (John) Lyons, Eileen (late Dave) McGrath, Peggy (Mike) Bigoness, Michael Clancy, Jim (Kathy) Clancy, and Dan (Kim) Clancy. She loved and was so proud of her 21 grandchildren - Scott, Dan, Maggie, Katie, John, Michael, Colleen, Amy, Carrie, John, Stacey, Katie, Tom, Patrick, Kellie, John, Patrick, Shannon, Cole, Cooper, and McClain. She was so very proud of her great-grandchildren and loved keeping the tally which grew to 31 with another on the way.

What can you say about a woman who had two birthdays? A woman with nicknames of Ree and Tootie? If you had to sum up Ruth in one word, it might be Mother. Yes she was Mom to 8 children but she was also an honorary Mom to so many others. She had an open door policy for everyone who needed a place to be. There was always room for one more. Her house was filled with kids, laughter, and love. Everyone wanted to be a Clancy. She was so proud being a Chicago fireman’s wife, except maybe for the time when she almost burned down her own house with a kitchen grease fire. Even though raising kids was her main job in life, she worked at Woolworths, the phone company, Resurrection Hospital snack shop, and Notre Dame High School. She formed lifelong friendships with firemen's wives, and other Moms from St Ferdinand’s and Notre Dame. Being Chief Clancy’s wife was her honor.

She said the best decision she made in her life was marrying Jack. Recently, when asked what was her favorite age, she got the sweetest smile on her face and said 22-That’s when she married Jack and together, they built a happy loving home.

She was a lifelong Bears fan and could be found screaming out at the TV while watching games and subsequently winning many family football pools. She was the champion of underdogs, and not just in sports. She had a mischievous dimpled smile that many will remember her for. She loved to dance when she was younger and was quite the jitterbugger. She traded that in for dancing with little ones standing on her feet gliding through the room. She loved playing cards and was quite the pinochle player. She had a passion for Court TV and was a political junkie. Having been born in Davenport, Iowa, she was a proud Iowan. She will be remembered as a strong wise woman who had a great sense of humor.

Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, January 14, 2023 from 9:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Edna Church, 2525 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Misericordia Home (Family Number 6074A) 6300 N. Ridge, Chicago, Il 60660. Please use the Family number and designate Ruth Clancy memorial for PJ Brankin 6074.

https://www.misericordia.com/giving/donate-online/

Found in Ruth’s handwritten notes:

“Never mind the cemetery or the grave-Keep me in your heart where I always kept you.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lauterburgoehler.com for the Clancy family.