Ruth J. Stevens

Ruth JoAnne Stevens, 85, of Galesburg, died at 6:24 p.m. Sunday, February 12, 2017 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital, Galesburg.

Ruth was born on March 16, 1931 in Aurora, the daughter of Charles E. and Margaret S. Reid Harris. Ruth married Donald L. Stevens on March 16, 1960 in Omaha, NE. He preceded her in death in January 1974. Ruth has four children, sons, Gary D. Stevens of Fairview Heights and Greg Stevens of Galesburg; two daughters, the late Gayle (Raymond) Gale of Florida and Peggy (Jeff) Bowman of Kewanee. She is also survived by one sister, Rita Harris of Galesburg; eight grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren. Along with her husband and daughter, Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Cliff Harris, Charles Harris, Jr., and David Harris; and a grandson, Brandon Bowman.

Ruth graduated from Galesburg High School and attended Brown’s Business College. She worked as a switchboard operator for many years. First working for Cottage Hospital and retiring from the Galesburg Clinic in 2001. Ruth was an avid bingo player and enjoyed Elvis Presley. She also loved to bowl and crochet. Ruth was a member of the Open Bible Church.

Per her wishes cremation rites will be accorded with private family services. A celebration of life will be held at Rosewood Care Center, which had been her home, on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the large dining room. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made in Ruth’s memory to the resident’s fund at Rosewood Care Center, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.