She was born April 26, 1927 in Peoria to Theodor and Bertha (Grebe) Jass. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Betty Gulley.
Surviving Ruth is her dear friend, Barbara Dreher; three nephews, James (Susan) Gulley of Peoria, Robert Gulley of Cold Spring NY, and David Gulley of Pekin; one niece, Jan Gulley (Jeff) Gerdin of Glenview, IL., one great-nephew, Brian (Jennifer) Gulley, three great-nieces, Katie Gulley, Janessa (Jonathan) Kingdon and Zoe Gerdin; four great-great nephews, Jackson and Camden Gulley, and Grayson and Brody Kingdon.
Ruth was a lifetime member of Christ Lutheran Church in Peoria, where her grandfather served as its first Pastor. She compiled the history of the church for its 100th Anniversary in 1994. She also served many years on the church’s Long-Range Planning Committee and on the Board of the Lutheran Home.
While earning a B.S. degree in Science and Math from Bradley University, Ruth worked on campus in the President’s office. She continued to work in the President’s office for a number of years after her 1948 graduation. Ruth took over the records responsibilities in the office of Admissions and Records. She later earned an M.S. degree in Education and her position evolved to Director of Institutional Research and Registrar. In addition to her dedication to her work at her own institution, Ruth diligently worked for the betterment of the profession at both the state and national levels. She served as President of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. Ruth retired in 1989 after 45 years of service to Bradley University.
Ruth lived a joyful and creative life. She planned and built two lovely, modern homes in Peoria and Baileys Harbor, WI. She maintained close friendships with a group of classmates who were affectionately named the Woo Woos. Ruth loved the visual arts and music. She felt travel was important to experience and shared it with her nephews and nieces. After retiring from Bradley, Ruth enjoyed volunteering for organizations including Meals on Wheels and Race for the Cure. Ruth enjoyed walking in nature, cooking, entertaining, bird-watching, and her cats.
Cremation will be accorded and private burial will be at the Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. A funeral service will take place Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to the service at Christ Lutheran Church in Peoria. Pastor Karl Eckhoff will officiate. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church or Lutheran Hillside Village Benevolent Fund. Words of comfort can be shared at www.davison-fulton.com.
