Ruth J Liston

Ruth was born February 21, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois to Rudolph J. and Mary M. (Petersen) Hennemeyer. She married Thomas P. Liston, Sr. in 1978. He preceded her in death in April of 2016. Also preceding her in death were her daughter, Pamela Weiss; a sister, Mary Ann Shinners; a brother, Robert T. Hennemeyer; and stepdaughter, Mary Kay Liston Champagne.

Surviving are her sons, David (Patricia) Ziltz of Aurora, Illinois, and Peter (Hannah) Ziltz of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, James Ziltz, Ashley (Brian) Becker, Taylor, Ari and Zoe Ziltz; great-grandchildren, Tristan and Braeden Becker; Tom’s children, Thomas P. Liston, Jr., and Margaret (Tucker) Szold; and Tom’s grandchildren Tara (Szold) Cummings, Grant Szold, Madison Liston, and Thomas Liston, III.

Ruth had an accomplished retail career. She successfully managed the Hallmark and Swiss Colony departments within 80 Bergner’s department stores. Following Bergner’s, she owned her own shop, The Finishing Touch, in Peoria Heights, selling gifts and antique English furniture. After closing the store, she consulted, along with other designers, to create beautiful and unique residential homes. Prior to retirement, she managed the gift shops for Jumer’s Castle Lodge.

Tom and Ruth loved to travel and did so worldwide. Hospitality was Ruth’s passion. She loved to entertain and did it with much style and grace. She was a talented decorator. Together Tom and Ruth created homes in Vail, Colorado; Osprey, Florida; and Brevard, North Carolina, while always calling Peoria home. Ruth took up needlepoint late in life creating many beautiful treasures for her family and friends.

The family extends their thanks and appreciation to Carrie Harper for her friendship and devoted care for both Tom and Ruth over many years.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a private Celebration of Life will be held. As Ruth was a devoted animal lover, memorials may be made to an animal charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences and memories may be shared through woolsey-wilton.com.