Ruth Kovatch

Ruth Kovatch, 81 of Washington, passed away Friday, March 24, 2107 at home. She was born March 19, 1936 in Independence, the daughter of the late Rev. Jacob and Stella Morris Stienstraw. Ruth was a graduate of Trinity High School and worked as the secretary at Chartiers Houston School District for 17 years and Washington Hospital for two plus years. She and her husband along with Dr. Paul Lapcevic and his wife formed Lakpo weight lifting equipment, which later became Strive. She also opened and operated Elite Training Center on Henderson Ave for a few years. She was a former member of Meadowlands Methodist Church. Ruth loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards, bowling, camping and spending time with her Bay Shore friends. On November 12, 1955, she married, John M. Kovatch, who passed away September 10, 2009. Surviving are three sons, John (Millie) Kovatch, Barry (Vonnie) Kovatch and Tracy (Lisa) Kovatch all of Washington; two daughters, Sherry (Tom) Balaban of Avella and Carol Kovatch of Washington; a brother, Daniel (the late Margaret) Stienstraw of Washington; a sister, Stella (the late Bob) Boyd of Michigan; twelve grandchildren, Kenny, Tiffany, Adam, Megan, John Ray, Colt, Josh, Jessica, Shane, Nikki, Haley and Jared; one step grandson, Michael; 24 great grandchildren; sister in laws, Dorothy Stienstraw, Dolores Stienstraw and Betty Stienstraw and many nieces and nephews. Deceased in addition to her parents and husband are four brothers, Stanley Stienstraw, James Stienstraw, David Stienstraw and Robert, who died in infancy. Friends will be received Sunday, March 26, 2017 from 2 to 8 p.m. at William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Ave, Washington. Service and burial are private. Donations can be made to the Donnell House, 10 Leet St. Washington, PA 15301.