Ruth E. (McDonough) Downing

Ruth (Altvater, McDonough, Downing), age 87, of Pittsburgh, PA passed away peacefully in her Green Tree home on July 17, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Oliver and Mary (Best) Altvater. Raised in Mt. Troy, Ruth Altvater was the oldest of all “The Best Cousins”. Mary Best, her mother, was the oldest of 13 children. Ruth often recalled many fond memories of holding and caring for all of the baby cousins. She is preceded in death and reunited with her parents, her brother John (Buck) Altvater, her sister Betty Ann (Altvater) Ruch and her husband David Downing (June 13, 2026). Ruth was married to Ed McDonough (1958-1985) and had 5 children. They resided in Mt. Washington. Ruth began her 30+ year career in the mid-1960s with the Pittsburgh Public Schools and was active with the School Board. She worked with a variety of Elementary, Middle Schools and High Schools. Many of the students (perhaps, teachers, too) would remember her having special treats in a specific drawer. In addition to the school system, Ruth was involved in various community organizations including the Washington Heights Athletic Association (WHAA). She was very active with Mt Washington’s Zion Lutheran Church on Boggs Avenue. In 1985, Ruth moved to Green Tree, PA. She and her late husband David Downing married in 1992. They were active at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Meals on Wheels and the VFW. They enjoyed photography, boating on the lakes of Erie, PA, cruising and vacationing on the Southern beaches. In recent years, Ruth was delighted to partake in bible and book studies, sewing, gardening and caring for her feathered friends. Although, admittedly, her truest joy was enjoying time with her “eight” grandchildren who are spread out from Pittsburgh through Indiana and into Colorado. Ruth is survived by: Karen M (Scott) Hobson, Edward McDonough, David (Teresa) McDonough, Frank McDonough, Kimberly (Bruce) Blank, Deborah McDonough and Tad (Heather) Downing along with all eight grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family and friends are welcome Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 2-4 and 6 until time of Funeral Service at 7:30 PM, WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL Service, 1650 Greentree Road, Scott Twp., 15220 (412-563-2800) www.slaterfuneral.com