Ruth Ann Croninger

Ruth Ann McAllister – Croninger
October 26, 1933 – August 22, 2025

Ruth Ann McAllister – Croninger, 91, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, at home in her bed surrounded by family.

Ruth was born on October 26, 1933, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, to Kenneth and Edythe McAllister. She grew up on a peaceful farm alongside her brothers, Kenneth and Roger. Later, she moved to North Hollywood, California, to pursue her dream of singing under the name Ruthie Mac. It was there, while performing at the Palomino Club in 1954, that she met the love of her life, Robert Croninger. The two married the following year at The Little Chapel Around the Corner in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In 1956, they welcomed their first daughter, followed by their second in 1962. Ruth and Robert spent many joyful years together performing music and working in the film industry at the famous Corriganville Movie Ranch before settling permanently in Las Vegas in 1966. There, they built deep family roots that continue to span generations.

Ruth worked for many years as a waitress at the Barcelona, where her warmth and kindness made lifelong friends who became like family. At home, she cherished time with her loved ones, whether through home-cooked meals, fresh sweet sun tea, or evenings watching classic westerns. She had a curious spirit and loved shopping for the latest gadgets, always eager to learn how to use them. In the winter, she could often be found chopping firewood with her favorite ax or sitting by the fireplace in her rocking chair with a cup of coffee.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Roberta James and Lynda Hill; grandchildren, Audrey Cook, Cherie Patterson, Amanda Johnson, Joseph James Jr., Brianne James, and Brian Hill; great-grandchildren, Kennedy Cook, Lyra Johnson, Jesse Owens, Lily Owens, Maddison Owens, and Emerson Owens; nieces and nephews, Mary-Beth Songer, Rick McAllister, Randy McAllister, John McAllister, Melissa McAllister, and Jen McAllister; and her in-laws, Joseph James, David Hill, Matthew Cook, Jesse Patterson, Dusty Owens, and Cameron Sparks.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Edythe McAllister; her brothers, Kenneth and Roger; and her beloved husband, Robert Croninger.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on October 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Davis Funeral Home, Eastern Chapel, in Las Vegas, Nevada, followed by a reception.

Ruth’s kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed but forever remembered.