Ruth Marie McLaughlin

Ruth Marie McLaughlin (D'Alelio) of Fair Oaks, California passed away peacefully on Friday, January 6, 2023 in the comfort of her home, following a long courageous battle with dementia. She was 83 years old.

Ruthie is survived by her loving and devoted husband of more than 65 years, John McLaughlin Jr. (MSgt. USAF-Retired), and their two children; John McLaughlin III of Sherman Oaks, California, and Lisa Clem (Joseph Clem, COL USAF-Retired) of Chantilly, Virginia. She is also survived by her three treasured grandchildren; Spencer Clem of Jacksonville, Florida, Jeremiah Clem of Chantilly, Virginia, and Chancellor Clem, 1Lt USAF of Omaha, Nebraska; Ruthie's sister, Grace Rodgers (Robert) of Florida, and her sister-in-law Helen D'Alelio (Arthur, deceased) of Massachusetts.

Ruthie was born on March 23, 1939 in Charlestown, Massachusetts. She was the adored daughter of the late Anthony D'Alelio and Ruth (Cella) D'Alelio. Ruthie graduated from Wakefield High School, in Massachusetts, class of 1956. She and John an Air Force radar technician, met on a blind date and soon after the smitten teenage sweethearts married. Twenty years of military life resulted in several moves, many adventures, and numerous lifelong friendships, all of which Ruthie loved.

Ruthie cherished time spent raising her children in Massachusetts and California. As they grew older, Ruthie returned to school, earning a Business Certificate in Management from American River College. Ruthie had previously signed on with J.C. Penney at Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights and worked there for more than 25 years. While there, she rose from part-time sales associate to managing the store's multi-million dollar Catalog Department until her retirement in 1998.

While Ruthie will be remembered for her adventurous zest for life, her wonderful sense of humor, her love of travel, fitness, her pets, and her Faith, she will especially be remembered for her love and devotion to her husband, her family, and her home. Being a wife, mother, and grandmother were truly her greatest joys.

A celebration of Ruthie's incredible life will be held October 30th, 2023 at 1pm at Mount Vernon Memorial Park and Mortuary, 8201 Greenback Lane Fair Oaks, California 95628, to honor and remember her.