Mary Ruth Gorby

Mary Ruth Gorby, 85, of Springfield, died at 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at Memorial Medical Center. Mary Ruth was born on July 12, 1921 in Quinton, OK, the daughter of Ezra J. and Dollie Russell Hudson. She married Neil Gorby on February 14, 1945 at the First Christian Church in Sedan, KS. She was a graduate of Cherryville, Kansas High School. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed reading, sewing, working with computers and keeping in contact with her family through email and family reunions. She also enjoyed music, playing the piano, organ and keyboard. She sang in a gospel quartet with her sisters in her younger years. She was a member of Athens Christian Church, Better Breathers Club and Young At Heart Senior Group. Mary Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and two brothers. She is survived by her husband of nearly 62 years, Neil Gorby of Springfield; one son, Reverend Jim (wife, Margie) Gorby of Washington, IL; one daughter, Genise (husband, Jim) Higginbotham of Athens; three grandchildren: John Higginbotham (fiancé, Denise) of Springfield, Jami (husband, Dean) Edwards of Concord, NC and Jenifer Johnson of Athens; four great grandchildren: Alex, Michael and Patrick Edwards of Concord, NC and Hayle Johnson of Athens; one brother, Reverend Paul (wife, Lara) Hudson of Eakly, OK; one sister, Sharon (husband, Don) Walton of Tonkawa, OK and many nieces and nephews. The family welcomes friends to visit from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2007 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. Funeral Ceremonies will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 2, 2007 at Athens Chrisitain Church, 1411 State Highway 29, Athens, IL with Rev. Ken Gennicks and Rev. Andy Glass officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association of Illinois, 3000 Kelly Lane, Springfield, IL 62707 or Athens Christian Church, 1411 State Highway 29, Athens, IL The family of Mary Ruth Gorby is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.