Ruth E. McLeod

Born May 30, 1929 in Streator to Ivor Guy and Ada Mae (Lewis) Nelson, she married William Junior McLeod on July 31, 1949 in Pekin. He died July 15, 2003 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Richard McLeod on June 19, 1972 and Jim McLeod on June 4, 1992; one brother, Roy Nelson and three sisters, Roberta Yardley, Ronellva Springer and Reve Bushman.

Surviving are one daughter, Jill (Mike) Gambetti of Pekin; four grandchildren, Chris McLeod of Plainfield, Cory (Emily) McLeod of Bloomington, Chad (Brianna) Gambetti of McLean and Cali Meek of Phoenix, Arizona and nine great-grandchildren, Kellen McLeod, Kendall McLeod, Taylor McLeod, Caden McLeod, Dominic Meek, Hunter Belle Meek, Mariah Gambetti, Avery Gambetti and baby girl Gambetti on the way in July and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth worked as a salesperson for TransWorld Airlines for 16 years, retiring in 1990.

She was a member of the University of Illinois Home Extension and the YWCA Reserves in Pekin for many years.

Ruth was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Pekin, where she was a member and past president of the United Methodist Women. She also was a former Sunday school teacher at the church and had served on various committees.

She enjoyed traveling and playing Bridge.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 18, 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Pekin. Pastor Sean Peters and Pastor Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral Monday at the church. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1315 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 Illinois Route 91, Peoria, IL 61615.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com