Ruth Louise York

Ruth was born November 30, 1929 to Cyrus and Ethel Cook. She married Edwin McKenzie in 1950 in Chicago, he precedes her in death. Later, she married Garland York in 2003. He preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by one son; Warren McKenzie.

Surviving her are one daughter-in-law; Linda (Warren) McKenzie, five children; Steven McKenzie, Linda (David) Ide, Quinn (Pam) McKenzie, John (Anne) McKenzie, and Paul McKenzie. Also surviving are her grandchildren; Nick (Ruthie), Morgan (Manuel), Ben, Sam (Misheel), Gabe, Dallas (Mary), Lauren (Chris), Houston (Caitlin), Brittany (Bhanu), Bethany, Brooke, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Ruth worked as a homemaker to care for her six children. Later, she worked as the operator for Pekin Hospital.

Ruth was a member of the North Parkway Assembly of God Church and her faith was central to her life. She enjoyed being able to share her relationship with God and share his word with those around her. She even went on a mission trip to Russia. Her family remembers her as someone with a great sense of humor, which she passed onto her children, a great laugh, especially when watching the Carol Burnett Show, and an amazing cook. Her cherry pie was well known through her family and always sold first at the church’s auction. You could often find her singing her favorite hymns around the house and participating in the church choir. She also taught Sunday school and did services for local nursing homes. Ruth went back to school in her forties and graduated with an associates degree from ICC.

Cremation has been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Home and Crematory in Pekin, IL with a private burial at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield being held at a later date.

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