Ruth MacNeil, Indiana’s Oldest Resident, Dies at 111

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

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.

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. In 1995, she moved to South Bend, Indiana.

Rest in peace.