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Ruth (Halterlein) Murtha

December 20, 1938 - September 07, 2026

Text:

Obituary For Ruth (Halterlein) Murtha

Age 87, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026 at Longwood at Oakmont.

Devoted wife of the late Thomas M. Murtha for 46 years. Preceded in death by parents Andrew A. and Martha (Teckmeyer) Halterlein, and by sister Kathryn Park. Ruth was the dedicated and proud mother of Kevin (Kimberly) Murtha M.D., Karen (Brooke David) James, and Daniel Murtha (Maria Sheridan); loving and doting grandmother of Andrew Murtha Ph.D. (Caroline Ph.D.), Robert Murtha, Rachel James and Natalie James; and dear sister of Mary Ellen Halterlein. She is also survived by brother-in-law David W. Park and nephew Brad Park, and many cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whose company she greatly valued. Ruth enjoyed music, singing, and playing the piano; she was also an avid Jeopardy fan and could complete a NYT Crossword puzzle daily (in pen). But most of all, she cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren. Ruth grew up in East Liberty and graduated from Divine Providence Academy. Formerly of Whitehall Borough and Bethel Park, she previously worked for Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin School (Whitehall) and retired from PNC as a Trust Real Estate Officer.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Friday, September 11, 2026 from 2-7 p.m. Funeral prayer on Saturday morning at 9:15. Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin Church at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 or Light of Life Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 645427, Pittsburgh, PA 15264.

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  • September 12, 2026

    John Murtha

    We are so saddened by the loss of Aunt Ruth. She was an amazing mother and grandmother. Her kindness and quiet strength were inspirations to the entire extended Murtha family. We will miss and pray for her.

  • September 11, 2026

    Frances Vitti

    Ruth will be missed by her classmates and good friends from the Divine Providence Academy Class of "56 and grade school classmates of S.S. Peter and Paul. Ruth's kindness and efficiency in lovingly organizing our annual luncheons kept us together. We will cherish her memory. Frances Papale Vitti, Sister Grace Babuscio, Anna Listorti, Dorothy Duman, Dorothy Pronio, Geraldine Derubeis, Mary Eberhardt Giammargo, Rosemarie DeRiso. Our heartfelt sympathy to Ruthie's children and grandchildren.

  • September 09, 2026

    Carolyn Spagnolo

    Ruth has left so many nice memories! She was an efficient school secretary and a kind friend.

  • September 08, 2026

    Rich and Pam Murtha

    Our dear Aunt Ruth is now with the Lord Jesus Christ. Our hearts are broken and we will miss her. Aunt Ruth was kind and a wonderful person, mother, and grandmother. Our deepest sympathies her family to all who knew her. God speed!

  • September 08, 2026

    Ken Murtha

    Our thoughts and prayers are with You during this difficult time . Aunt Ruth was a beautiful person inside and out . She can now rest and reunite with Uncle Tom knowing she raised wonderful children and they continue to carry on her love and impact on this world ! God Bless Ken and Debbie Murtha

  • September 08, 2026

    Bonnie Teckmeyer Spencer

    My sympathy and prayers goes out to the immediate family and friends. I have some wonderful memories of cousin Ruthie, especially from our cousins get togethers we used to have. Several of us cousins going to Toronto on a bus trip and also a day trip to Phipps conservatory stand out in my memory. Recently we've had a few cousins lunches, once or twice a year to keep in touch, which were always enjoyable. Ruth and I had talked about getting older and being sick, etc. She was at peace with whatever happened. She was a wonderful cousin and role model. She will be missed. Bonnie Teckmeyer Spencer

  • September 07, 2026

    David murtha

    Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin, Karen, Dan and their families. Aunt Ruth was a wonderful lady. She is now resting peacefully with Uncle Tom and the rest of that greatest generation Murtha family Dave Murtha

  • September 07, 2026

    Roxanne Kloper

    Deepest condolences to my dear friends, Dan and Maria, and to all of Mrs. Murtha's family and friends. She was clearly a lovely and wonderful woman in all ways, including raising my sweet and amazing dear friend, Dan.

  • September 07, 2026

    Tim and Stacey O'Rourke

    Our deepest condolance to the Murtha family. Mrs Murtha was a great lady! Praying for comfort for your family. Love Tim and Stacey O'Rourke

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