Ruth Marcella Alleva

Kill Devil Hills- Ruth Marcella Alleva, 92, of Kill Devil Hills died Saturday, July 18 at her home with her children by her side.

Ruth was born in Philadelphia, PA; the only child of Harvey H. and Elsie E. Smith. Ruth worked as a secretary prior to enlisting in the Women’s Army Corp in 1944.  Ruth was stationed at Edgewood Arsenal, MD, Chemical Warfare Service Center where she was secretary to the Commanding General,  Brigadier General Kabrick.  There she met and married Staff Sergeant Mario Alleva, Aide to General Kabrick.  Mario and Ruth were married in 1945.   After the war, Ruth remained a member of the WAC Reserve and was called back to active duty during the Korean War.

 In 1953 they moved to Miami, FL where Ruth continued working as a secretary.  Ruth was a volunteer member of the American Cancer Society in Miami offering training and assistance to other urostomates in their rehabilitation.  Ruth was an avid reader, enjoyed needlepoint and latch hook.

 After retirement, Ruth and Mario moved to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.   Ruth was a member of the Outer Banks Presbyterian Church, the Outer Banks Christian Women, the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group and the Dare County Shrinettes in Manteo.  Ruth was also a charter member of the Women’s Military Memorial in Wash. DC.  Ruth volunteered at Hot Line and the Food Pantry.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Mario.  Ruth is survived by her son Joseph Alleva, daughter Barbara (Timothy) Mannix, step-son Frank (Nancy) Alleva,  step-grandchildren Greg and Chris Alleva and step-great-granddaughter Natalie.

 A funeral service will be held Friday, July 24 at 11 a.m. at Outer Banks Presbyterian Church.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Outer Banks SPCA: www.obxspca.org.  Gallop Funeral Services is entrusted with arrangements.  Condolences may be expressed at www.gallopfuneralservices.com