Eero T. P. Ruuttila

Eero “Whitey” Ruuttila, 77, of Springfield, died at 7:15 a.m. Friday, January 2, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL. Eero was born June 3, 1926 in Boston, MA the son of Waino A. Ruuttila and Bertha Peura Ruuttila, both of Boston, MA (originally Finland). He married Anna Mae Bristol November 23, 1983 in Springfield, IL Mr. Ruuttila was a graduate of Thayer Academy, Boston, MA and Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL. He was a teacher, coach and an agent with American General Life Insurance Company (formerly, Franklin Life) for 40 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. during WWII having fought in the battle of Iwo Jima. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife: Anna Mae; two sons, Erick Ruuttila of Jacksonville, IL and Eero Ruuttila, Jr. of Litchfield, N.H; daughter, Kim Eck of Springfield, IL; step-daughter, Sharlyn McBride of Sherman; Stepson, Brian Bristol of Perry, OK; five Grandsons: Jesse and Erick Ruuttila, Daniel and Marcus Eck and Jonathan Moos; and two Granddaughters: Leslie Bristol and Anna Moos. Memorial services will be held at West Side Christian Church, 2850 Cider Mill Lane, Springfield on Tuesday, January 6, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. with Vaughn Beeman officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Athletic Fund, Wheaton College, 501 E. College Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187. The family of Eero Ruuttila is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.