L. Ruth Stewart

L. Ruth Stewart, 88, of Springfield, died at 5:20 a.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Illinois Presbyterian Home. Ruth was born May 11, 1929 in Monon, IN, the daughter of William A. Bryant and M. Joye Boutwell. Ruth graduated from Feitshans High School and was employed as Superintendent of Industries for the Department of Corrections at both Stateville and Lincoln prisons. She was a member of Laurel United Methodist Church and in her retirement volunteered with her sister as an usher at Sangamon State Auditorium, folded newsletters for several years at her church and the Illinois Department of Aging, delivered Meals on Wheels, made bags for wheelchairs through Memorial Hospital, raised over $20,000 for charity by running AARP bingo, and sewed for the Mary Bryant Home for the Blind. She was also President of her condo association for several years. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Vicky Stewart; nephew, Jack Felts; and grand-nephew, Matthew Felts. She is survived by her daughter, Linda (husband, Mike) Munhall of Blytheville, AR; grandchildren, Kelly (husband, Evan) Lu of Blytheville, AR and Kevin (wife, Margo Seibert) Munhall of New York City, NY; sister, Hazel Felts of Springfield; cousin, Darlene Rumble; nephews, Jim (wife, Dianne) Felts and Jerry (wife, Rhonda) Felts; and several beloved grand and great-grand-nieces and nephews. Ruth was an avid reader of the Journal-Register paper and a frequent customer of Ritz's Restaurant. The family is most appreciative of the care she received from both The Illinois Presbyterian Home and from the nurses with Memorial Hospice. Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00-10:45 a.m. on Monday, February 26, 2018 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A funeral ceremony will follow at 11:00a.m. with Dr. Kent Lolling officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to: Laurel United Methodist Baby Fold Camp Scholarships, 631 South Grand Avenue West, Springfield, IL 62704.