Ruth MacNeil

BIOGRAPHY

Ruth MacNeil was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, on 19 October 1914. She immigrated to Canada at the age of nine to reunite with her mother. She later completed her education and became a teacher. She met her future husband after being introduced at his aunt’s boarding house, where she was living at the time. The two corresponded for four years before marrying in 1939, when Ruth wed the Reverend John MacNeil. They celebrated their honeymoon at the World’s Fair in New York City.

The couple began their family life in Prince Edward Island. They later moved to Milton, Ontario, where the Presbyterian Church called John to serve additional congregations. In 1949, Ruth and John, along with their three daughters, relocated to Manteno, Illinois when John became minister of the First Presbyterian Church of Manteno.

After raising their children, Ruth returned to the field of education. She worked for the Manteno School System for 20 years, first as a teaching assistant and later as a school librarian.

During her retirement years in Illinois, Ruth remained actively involved in numerous community activities and groups. In 1995, she moved to South Bend, Indiana, where she became an active member of a local Presbyterian church. She also continued to pursue her lifelong love of learning as a devoted member of the Great Books Club.

Ruth MacNeil passed away in South Bend, Indiana, on 7 December 2025, at the age of 111 years, 49 days.

RECOGNITION

On 13 February 2025, following the passing of Mary Ransopher, she became the oldest known living person in Indiana.

Her age was verified by Eli Logan, and validated by LongeviQuest on 30 December 2025.

ATTRIBUTION

* Ruth MacNeil Obituary – Legacy, 20 December 2025

GALLERY

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