Martha A. Ruthe

Martha Ruthe, 86, of Baileyville, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 2, 2015 upon her death at Presence St. Joseph Center, Freeport, IL., after suffering a stroke. Martha was born July 20, 1928 in Freeport, the daughter of Earl H. and Rosalie (Lassen) Meier. She graduated from Shannon High School in 1946 and attended North Central College in Naperville, IL. On August 15, 1948 she married Dale Ruthe. She was a member of the Baileyville Reformed Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years, sang in the choir, directed the Jr. choirs and was church organist for 50 years. She was a charter member of the Missionaires Circle of the church. She also volunteered at Freeport Memorial Hospital for many years. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and crocheting afghans. Surviving are her husband, daughter Karen (Merle) Shoemaker of Ridott; son, Curtis (Jean) Ruthe of Rockford; 5 grandchildren, Andrea (Jeremy) Gordon of Rock City, Matthew (Amanda) Shoemaker of Ridott, Jonah Ruthe, Issac Ruthe and Raina Ruthe of Rockford; four great grandchildren, Kelsey and Alex Gordon and Olivia and Westin Shoemaker; also two brothers, Paul (Norma) Meier of Shannon and Harry (Eileen) Meier of Homewood and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Earl Jr. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at the Baileyville Reformed Church, with Pastor Bruce Otto officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. A memorial has been established for the Baileyville Reformed Church and the Rockford Rescue Mission. Please sign the guest book and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com.