Ruth Ann McDermid, 96

Ruth Ann McDermid, 96, passed away Jan. 24, 2025, in Post Falls, Idaho, due to the progression of dementia. She was born to Earl and Helen Campbell on Sept. 27, 1928, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In 1947, she married Milton (Mick) McDermid, and they had three super cool daughters that were raised in Coeur d’Alene.

She went to school in Coeur d’Alene at the historic Roosevelt School and Coeur d’Alene High School. She was in drama club and a member of the National Thespian Society. She lettered in tennis and was class president. 

Ruth enjoyed golfing, reading, coloring, dancing, singing, decorating for the holidays, swimming at Sanders Beach, dressing up and sporting something goofy on her head for special events and holidays. She had a ball being in parades with the Red Hot Mamas. She waved nonstop at the crowd, smiling so big from ear to ear that it made her face hurt the next day.

Ruth’s favorite passion was bowling. She worked and bowled at Lake City Lanes in Coeur d’Alene for many years. She enjoyed helping the special needs children learn to bowl. She made a mean pizza, poured thousands of 50-cent draft beers and made sure there was always fresh popcorn. Once Lake City Lanes closed, she moved on to bowl at The Cove Bowl and Sunset, both in Coeur d’Alene. Ruth received a longevity award for bowling in 2017 and was inducted into the local bowling Hall of Fame. 

She was blessed to spend over 20 years of her retirement with her longtime companion, Clyde Stranahan. They wore themselves out traveling with the Rambling Rovers travel club, bowling, golfing, canning pickles, attending family events and hanging out in Arizona during the winter. 

We will never forget her laugh, infectious smile and fun spirit. She is especially remembered for the joy she spread dressing up for the holidays and her celebration antics when she bowled a strike.

Ruth is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Gail Toney (Mike) and Paula Phelps (Chuck); grandchildren Dusty Curley and Jeff Picken; and great-grandchildren Kennedy and Breaden Gelnette; and Emmie, Maycie, Cohen and Crew Picken. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Mick McDermid; her two sisters, Betty Dixon and Hazel Phillips; her brother, Albert Campbell; and companion Clyde Stranahan. Six months before Ruth’s passing, her beloved daughter, Claudia (Mikki) Stevens, founder of the Red Hot Mamas, passed away after a brave journey with cancer. We imagined that she choreographed a grand parade with the multitudes waiting for Ruth’s arrival in heaven. 

Thank you, Jesus, for the peace it brings. Your word assures us that you have prepared a place in heaven for your daughter, Ruth, because of her faith in you.

The celebration of life service to honor Ruth McDermid will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025, at The First Presbyterian Church (521 E. Lakeside Ave. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814), where she spent many years as a Sunday school teacher. Those attending are invited to share their memories and to wear pink in honor of Ruth’s favorite color. A reception will follow at the church with Ruth’s favorite foods, cookies and ice cream. 

Please visit Ruth’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.