“Thank you for the sunshine!” Beloved Irwin McDonald’s employee turned TikTok star dies at 100

IRWIN, Pa. — Ruth Shuster, Irwin’s beloved 100-year-old McDonald’s employee, died on Jan. 16, according to our partners at the Trib.

Shuster, a lifelong North Huntingdon resident, worked at the Big Mac Museum for 26 years after starting there in 1995 at age 73.

For her 100th birthday in March, she was celebrated at the Big Mac Museum with a bobblehead and her own signature combo meal.

“I love it here. This is my family,” Shuster said at the time. “It’s the nicest place to work and the best folks to work with.”

The Trib also said a small memorial for Shuster was set up at the Big Mac Museum on Route 30. The marquee reads, “Rest in peace, Ruthie. Thank you for the sunshine!”

After graduating from high school in 1938 and becoming a WPA seamstress, Shuster eventually joined McDonald’s, where she became known for her quick wit, her love of dancing around the dining room and her singing to customers, according to a news release.

Shuster was also a TikTok star, being featured on M&J Management’s page for a variety of videos, including a series called “Ruthie’s Reviews.”

@mjmgmtmcd
Why does Ruthie love working at McDonald’s? Gets a paycheck ✔️ Good bosses ✔️ Stay tuned for more reviews from Ruthie #mcdonalds #mclovinit #mickeyds
♬ You Are Enough - Sleeping At Last

@mjmgmtmcd
Meet Ruthie, our 100-year-old greeter. She loves dancing, singing, smiling and working at McDonald’s 🥰 #mcdonalds #mclovinit #mickeyds #Pittsburgh
♬ Mama Said - Lukas Graham

@mjmgmtmcd
The video you all have been waiting for… Come to work with Ruthie 😌 #ruthiesreview #mcdonalds #greeter #mickeyds #fyp
♬ Coming of Age - Blondes