Ruth Elizabeth Gay SHUE

PITTSFIELD, Ill. -- Ruth Elizabeth Gay Shue, 94, formerly of New Canton, died Tuesday (May 17, 2011) in the Barry Community Care Center in Barry.

Mrs. Shue was born on May 24, 1916, to Blossom Smith Gay and Henry Horton Gay in Atlas Township, Pike County. She married Clarence David Shue on Dec. 23, 1937, in Quincy. He died in February 1989.

Survivors include a daughter, Connie (Les) Allen of Pittsfield; a son, John (Janice) Shue of Barry; grandchildren, Julie (Frazier) and Jerry O'Brien of Fort Branch, Ind., Susan (Frazier) and Jeff Shireman of Pittsfield, Rick Frazier and girlfriend, Brandon Thompson, of Springfield, Darren Shue of Venetia, Pa., Mary (Frazier) and David Webel of Pittsfield, Danny (Cheryl) Shue of Fowler, Heather (Shue) Hoyle of Bushnell, Ellen (Shue) and Brad Peterson of Washington, Ill., Cara (Shue) and Sean O'Brien of Washington, Laci (Shue) and A.J. Oldham of Newport, N.C., Alex Shue and Kyle Smith of Clayton, and Catie Shue of Payson.

In addition, she is survived by great-grandchildren, Conor (Stephanie) O'Brien of Evansville, Ind., Addy O'Brien of Fort Branch, John Phillip and Ethan Shue of Upper St. Clair, Pa., Meghan, Tori and Keith Hoyle of Bushnell, Peyton, Griffin and Jessie Peterson of Washington, Ill., Mazzy and Josie O'Brien of Washington; and great-great-granddaughter, Rayleigh O'Brien of Evansville. Survivors also include stepgrandchildren, Kathy (Allen) and John Brennen of Wayland, Mo., Rich Allen of Pittsfield, Greg (Kim) Allen of Pittsfield; stepgreat-grandchildren, Brooks Allen of Springfield, Briana Allen of Chicago, Erin and Colton Allen of Pittsfield, Christina Peterson of Washington, Megan Scheufele of Columbia, Mo., Braxton Scheufele of Fowler; and stepgreat-great-granddaughter, Kayleigh Peterson of Washington; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Shue was preceded in death by her parents; a son, David Robert Shue, in January 2008; sisters, Virginia Gay Roberts, Mildred Gay Dutcher and Mary Jo Gay Blacketter; a brother, Hobart Gay; two brothers-in-law; and a sister-in-law.

Ruth enjoyed gardening, being outside, playing the piano and music, and was a marvelous cook. She was known for her wonderful homemade noodles that she made for many Rockport school fundraisers and her great cherry pies. One of her favorite pastimes was whistling while she worked as her grandchildren fondly remember. Her family enjoyed her independence, her ingenuity and perseverance. She will be missed by all those who loved her.

SERVICES: 11 a.m. Friday in the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, with Becky Clark conducting. Burial will be in Samuel Taylor Cemetery, Rockport.

VISITATION: 10-11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers to Samuel Taylor Cemetery or the Barry Community Care Activity Fund.

WEBSITE: info@nieburfh.com.

ARRANGEMENTS: Niebur Funeral Home

Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.