Retired McGaw YMCA Children’s Center staff member Ruth Stern. Photo credit: Legacy.com.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ruth Stern, a cherished member of the YMCA family. Ruth served the youth and families of the McGaw YMCA Children’s Center for over 20 years.

During her time at McGaw YMCA, Ruth cultivated a welcoming and inclusive environment at the Children’s Center, leaving a lasting impact on countless families and children. With her warm smile and caring heart, she greeted everyone she encountered, making sure parents and children felt safe, valued, and supported from the moment they stepped through the doors.

Ruth’s compassionate demeanor created a culture of belonging at the Children’s Center that was felt throughout our YMCA. She was synonymous with everything good the Y stands for—community, compassion, and commitment to nurturing the growth of every child.

To Ruth’s family, friends, and everyone whose lives she touched, we extend our deepest sympathies. Her impact lives on through the many lives she influenced and the love she brought to our community. May her memory be a guiding light for all who were privileged to know her and may her kind spirit continue to inspire us in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Monique Parsons

President/CEO

McGaw YMCA