Born February 21, 1929 in Pekin to Henry and Annetta E. (Wilts) Urish, she married August DeSutter on September 22, 1950 in Pekin. He died in December 1991 in Pekin. She was also preceded in death by her parents and one nephew, Daniel S. Urish.
Surviving are one brother, Daniel W. (Elizabeth) Urish of North Kingstown, Rhode Island and three nieces, Roxanne (Frank) Curatella of Birmingham, Alabama, Deanna (Michael) Dougherty of Taylors, South Carolina and Heidi (Robert) Pavia of Kingston, Rhode Island.
Ruth was a strong person with great faith, an inspiration to all with whom she met. She was afflicted with polio at the age of 18 months and was handicapped with difficulty walking the rest of her life, becoming more of a challenge, as she got older. In her later years, she survived multiple heart attacks and cancer. Ruth never let that stop her in her endeavors and goals.
She had worked as an operator for Middle States Telephone Company for nine years. Ruth then worked at Pekin Insurance for 31 years as an Assistant Auto Underwriter, retiring in 1988.
Ruth was a generous loving person, who enjoyed entertaining others, individually as well as large groups. She planned and organized parties for many events for her biological family and her church family, especially for Christmas, with special music, gifts for all with an arrival of Santa Claus.
She was a devoted member of the Second Reformed Church of Pekin all her life. She was involved in many of the service activities of the church and was a living example of the love of Christ for all who came in contact with her. She taught Junior High Sunday School classes for 47 years and was loved and praised by the many youngsters in her classes. Typical is the statement by one of her former students: “She was my teacher for many years and was one of the kindest and most knowledgeable teachers I knew” and “Ruth is truly one of the best teachers because she is believing and teaches by example. She always made learning fun and interesting.” She was a member of Seekers Sunday School Class, a member of both Mary-Martha and Friendship Circles, and for many years hosted a Bible study in her home.
In addition to these group activities, she was a major caller for the Prayer Chain. She was in charge of the funeral lunches, prepared the schedules for Care and Share and was the publicity chairperson for all church major fundraising and fellowship events. Ruth also arranged weekly scripture readings for church services and was co-chair for sending special cards to church members for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special days of individuals.
When asked for a quote regarding her faith she expressed the following:
“God is so good to me in giving me a wonderful church, great friends, a great family, and most of all – salvation and the knowledge that someday I will be at home with Him. The Lord has watched over me all these years. Whatever I’ve needed He has provided.”
Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday, February 19, 2021 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Chuck Grogan and Rev. Judy Steger Kennedy will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18