Ruth McElroy-Dougherty

Ruth J. McElroy-Dougherty

Ruth J McElroy- Dougherty (nee Sklarski), 94, of Leonia New Jersey, passed away on March 9,2026 at home.

Ruth was born on April 20, 1931in Cheektowaga New York to parents Joseph and Julia Sklarski. Born at home on Meadowbrook Parkway, she was baptized at Our Lady of Czestochowa. The family subsequently moved to Elma New York where Ruth attended a two-room schoolhouse until high school. Graduating from East Aurora High School in 1949 with a concentration in healthcare classes telegraphed her future pursuits. During these years Ruth was active in school activities and at her church.

Post secondary education/training included Deaconess Hospital of Nursing, graduating in 1952. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1979. Ruth enjoyed a long career in various health related occupations. She worked as a nurse at a small rural California hospital and a doctor’s office in Buffalo New York. She taught nursing to students at the New York State Board of Cooperative Educational Services and Meyer Memorial Hospital. She spent the final years of her career in the occupational health field.

Ruth enjoyed many years of travel with her second husband, John D. Dougherty. They had many adventures visiting locations both in this country and around the world. She loved her home, personally selecting and placing all items of domestic life to please her and others’ sense of beauty. She found great enjoyment in gardening, her “yard shoes” standing at the ready by the patio door.

Ruth has been the matriarch of our family; her sisters Nancy and Bonnie and her cousins Sally and Sandy celebrate her longevity. She is survived by her three children: Julie McElroy (Edde Sigler) of Kent, Ohio; David McElroy of Blasdell, New York; and Timothy McElroy (Terri) of Roxboro, North Carolina. Granddaughters Jamie Schwartzmiller (Justin) and Lauren McElroy also share in the sadness of their grandmother’s passing. Her great granddaughter Nessa will enjoy hearing the many family stories in years to come.

She also leaves behind her four stepchildren: J. Brooks Dougherty, Andrew Dougherty, Abigail O’Reilly (William), and Amanda Sihweil (Omar). Many step grandchildren/great grandchildren will also miss her and relive lasting memories in the coming years.

Predeceasing Ruth was her beloved husband of over thirty-five years John D. Dougherty, MD and her first husband William B McElroy.

Besides having a great impact on her family, Ruth was an active contributing member of her church, All Saints Episcopal. She served on the Vestry while helping initiate lasting activities to benefit the church community. A memorial service will take place at All Saints Episcopal Church on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM.