Ruby Alanna McVay

Ruby Alanna McVay, 78, of Clarksville, formerly of Carmichaels, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with her family by her side. Born October 2, 1948, in San Francisco, California, she was the daughter of the late John Murray, and Josephine (Lesko) and Andrew Buchina.

Alanna was a graduate of Redstone High School. On December 10, 1977, she married Sherrill W. McVay, who survives. Alanna worked as a manager for the House of Lloyd Christmas Around the World home party business. Through her work, she earned trips that opened the door to many memorable travels for she and her husband, including Hawaii, Germany, and other parts of Europe.

She will be remembered for the traditions carried on in the kitchen. Each morning she enjoyed her slice of apple butter toast. She was a fantastic cook and was known for making the best pumpkin rolls. Every year, Alanna made her grandmother’s homemade pickle recipe, a beloved family tradition. Though her health was declining, making it harder to do what she very much enjoyed, she was able to make one last batch of pickles this year.

Her best work was done within the walls of her home. Alanna was a caregiver in the truest sense. She spent her life taking care of others. Her family was not simply part of her life, they were her life. If anyone had asked what her hobby was, the answer would have been her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. Her home, her love, and her attention were given to them fully. She was the rock of her family, the one who kept everyone in line.

Left to cherish her memory, along with her husband, are her son, Andrew McVay (Meredyth) of Waynesburg; daughter, Sherri Jo McMahan (Brian) of Vestaburg; grandchildren, Ariel McVay (Kyle), Tiffany McVay (Jeremy), Ashlynn McVay, Gary Smith, Gracie Smith, Andrew Smith, and Andrea McVay; great-grandchildren, Aleia, Kylee, Aspen, Remington, and another expected in December; brothers, Andrew Buchina of Carmichaels and Larry Murray of North Carolina; sister-in-law, Brenda Murray of North Carolina; several nieces and nephews; and cousins, Sue Grimplin (John) of Vanderbilt, Pa. and Marge Santore of Allentown.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Glenn Murray, and her cherished chihuahua, Olivia.

All arrangements are private and entrusted to Yoskovich Funeral Home, Inc.