Ruth Evelyn "Ghrist" Ator

1922 - 2008

Ruth Evelyn Ghrist Ator, 86, of Pittsfield, died Monday evening, Oct. 6, 2008, at Eastside Health & Rehab Center in Pittsfield.

She was born Jan. 30, 1922, near Pittsfield, daughter of the late George and Pearl Saylor Ghrist. She married Wayne Ator on June 6, 1942, in Pittsfield, and he preceded her in death on March 31, 2004.

Their union was blessed with five children, all of whom survive, Estill Ator and wife Debbie of Dumont, Colo., Linda Carnes and husband Jim of Pittsfield, Linda's twin brother, Lynn Ator, also of Pittsfield, Lee Ator and his wife Tammy of Rockport and Roberta Boarman and husband John of Toulon; 11 well-loved grandchildren, Steven and Douglas Ator of Denver, Nancy Cooley of Perry, Brian Carnes of Tampa, Fla., Christy McGlauchlen of Milton, Tim Ator of Pittsfield, Michelle Daniels of Rockport, Jeff Ator of El Dara and Ryan Boarman of Normal; and 12 great-grandchildren, who were a special blessing in her declining years. Other survivors include her sister, Judy Clark of Bartonville; two nieces of the Peoria area; and one nephew in Pennsylvania.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two grandsons, John Ator and Kyle Boarman.

Ruth and Wayne shared the responsibilities of the family farming operation for many years. Ruth guided and helped develop the Ator Turkey Farm, which raised, dressed, and sold thousands of turkeys in the area for a period of 25 years. Ruth was an active member of the Pittsfield United Methodist Church and her activities included being a member of several of the boards of the church, Madonna Circle, and helping with many, many church dinners. Ruth was active in Home Extension for more than 50 years and she was a 4-H Leader for many of those years. In addition to her many church and farm activities, she and Wayne greatly enjoyed travel and had visited in 49 states. She especially enjoyed her annual visit to the home of her son, Estill, in Clear Creek Canyon, west of Denver. Ruth shared with Wayne a love for sports. Pittsfield High School teams, University of Illinois Football and Cardinal baseball were her favorites. When Wayne broadcast high school basketball, Ruth was his scorekeeper and all around helper. Even correcting his errors, occasionally.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday at the Pittsfield United Methodist Church in Pittsfield. Burial will be at Pittsfield West Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Memorials may be made to the Pittsfield United Methodist Church or to the Pikeland School Foundation both c/o the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.airsman-hires.com.