Obituary
Ruth Rich, of Crete, IL, passed peacefully on December 19th, 2021, at the age of 65, after battling a long illness. She was born on August 30th, 1956 in Evansville, IN.
Ruth completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois and then obtained her master’s degree at Governor’s State. She taught Spanish at Rich Central High School for over 30 years. Ruth’s life’s work was education – she was a dedicated teacher and very active in the schoolteacher’s union. She took her students on annual summer trips to Spain to enrich their learning of the Spanish language and culture. We’d like to think that Ruth’s legacy lives on through her students and their futures. To this day, Ruth’s students reflect on not only the language skills, but the life lessons that she imparted on them.
During retirement, Ruth enjoyed crocheting blankets and hats for premature babies at local hospitals. Her great nieces and nephews also enjoyed receiving many of her hand-crafted gifts each year. She also kept busy through her active support of Habitat for Humanity.
Ruth loved music. She was honored to be a part the Park Forest singers, and later, the highly regarded Grant Park singers.
Ruth is survived by sister Nancy (Jay) Abell, brother David (Vicki) Rich, and nieces Jen (Craig) Abell-Champion, Penny (Brian) Ohlendorf, Becky Rich, Elizabeth (Adam) Sheinkopf, Amanda (Dan) Filsinger, and Dawn (Tyler) Martin. She is also survived by many great-nieces and -nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Katherine (nee Lanham) and Noble Rich.
A memorial gathering is on Monday, March 28th from 3pm until 6pm with a 5pm service at the funeral home.
Arrangements entrusted to Steger Funeral Home, 125 E Steger Road (34th Street), Steger, IL. Info: call (708) 755-3400.
Bill & Henrietta Hayes
Peace
Mike and Irene Pohlman