Ruth H. Boone

Ruth Hardeway Boone, 82, made a peaceful transition at her home in Rochester, IL, on Wednesday, September 26, 2012. Ruth was born on December 24, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois; the third child of James Leon Hardeway and Mable Douglass Hardeway. She had one older sister, Julia and an older brother, James Jr., who died in infancy. Ruth graduated from Englewood High School in 1946, two years ahead of her class, at the age of 16. She went on to attend Wright Junior College. She met, fell in love and eloped with Roger Boone at the tender age of 18. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on August 20, 2012. The Boone family moved to Springfield in 1957 where Ruth found employment working for the State of Illinois Department of Transportation for over 25 years. She retired from IDOT as a Hazardous Material Technician, a job which she thoroughly enjoyed. Ruth was a service oriented person and was active in many community organizations, such as the NAACP, the YMCA board, and the Urban League. She was a faithful and active member of Grace United Methodist Church. She was an avid bridge player and loved to entertain. Ruth is survived by her husband, Roger R. Boone of Rochester; daughter, Cheryl Boone of Chicago; one niece, Frances Connor and a host of cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mable and James Hardeway; her brother, James Leon, Jr.; her sister, Julia Dora; and many dear cousins. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 12:00-12:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Grace United Methodist Church, 1612 E. Capitol Ave., Springfield. Memorial Ceremony: 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Grace United Methodist Church with Rev. Robert Freeman officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to: National Hydrocephalus Foundation (for Adult onset), 12413 Centralia Rd., Lakewood, CA 90715.