Ruth Alison Leney-Midkiff

Ruth Alison Leney-Midkiff, aged 62, died on May 7, 2026. She was born on November 16, 1963, to the late George Leney and Arax (Tefankjian) Leney of Pittsburgh.

Growing up in Pittsburgh, Ruth studied ballet from a very early age. While ballet was Ruth’s passion, she also earned a BA in French and a BA in Russian from the University of Pittsburgh.

Ruth married Andrew Midkiff May 16, 1992, in Pittsburgh before moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan where Ruth then earned an MFA in Modern Dance from the University of Michigan.

Ruth was a skilled teacher whose students went on to dance in major companies around the world. Her deep understanding of not just the how, but also the why of ballet movement came from her many teachers steeped in the Russian ballet tradition.

Ruth was also a talented choreographer who created over 50 pieces ranging from small studio pieces to full length ballets in styles ranging from Classical, and Neo-Classical to Contemporary and even experimental. She worked with companies in the US, mainly Regional Dance companies, as well as professionals in Hungary and Costa Rica.

Ruth was a dedicated sister, aunt, mother and a dear friend to many. She felt it important to keep in touch with her friends, many of whom she has known since early in her life. She leaves behind her family, a husband, Andrew Midkiff, son, Nathaniel Midkiff, two sisters, Sarah Firehammer and Janet Poetzinger along with her brother John Leney, as well as many dear friends around the world.

Ruth was taken from us far too soon and will be greatly missed, but her legacy, the beauty she created, the love she shared, and the caring she showed for her family, friends and students will live on for many, many years.

“We shall not cease from exploration

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time.”

- T.S. Elliot