A. Ruth Paxton

Alice Ruth Paxton, 85, of Rockton, and formerly of Red Oak, died Wednesday January 28, 2015 in her son's home surrounded by her family. She was born January 5, 1930 in Jefferson County, IL, the daughter of Orley and Helen (Anderson) Whitsell. She married Howard D. Paxton June 27, 1948 in Red Oak, IL; he died October 4, 1997. Alice worked at Micro Switch for 18 years, retiring in 1987. She was a 68 year member of Red Oak United Methodist Church where she was active in the Women's Society. She enjoyed camping, playing cards, crocheting, and spending time with her grandchildren. Alice is survived by her son William (Linda) Paxton of Rockton, IL; her daughter Cindy (Randy) Schmertman of Menomonie, WI ; three sisters Donna Wright of Michigan City, IN, Margie Hatfield of Granite City, IL, and Nickie (Chuck) Redfern of Centralia, IL; five grandchildren Tina (Jami) Thruman, Dawn (Robert) Jones, Renee (Harold) Andrews, Jennie (Eric) Arvidson, and Mandy (Dean) Ziemienski; nine great-grandchildren; her special nephew Tom Marcum of Orangeville, IL.; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother Albert Marcum; and three sisters Ethel Watts, Eileene Badgett, and Billie Stewart. Funeral services will be held 12:00 P.M. Monday February 2, 2015 at Red Oak United Methodist Church with Rev. William Blomberg officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00-4:00 P.M. Sunday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery. A memorial has been established in her memory. Please visit www.burktubbs.com to sign her online guestbook and to share memories.