Ruth Kubik Frost

Ruth K. Frost, 101, died January 16, 2026, in Peoria, IL.

She was born in 1924 to Wesley and Emma Kubik in the deeply rooted Czech community of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It was there that she married her college sweetheart Dr. Robert (Bob) Frost, an Oak Park, IL native, on September 18, 1948.

Survivors include Dr. James Frost (Kathy Roach) of Peoria, IL, Jean Wyman (Dr. Thomas) of Peoria Heights, IL, and Dr. John Frost (Dr. Karen Draths) of Okemos, MI; grandchildren Andrew Frost, Julie Frost, Laura Frost Morse, Dr. Emma Frost (Hammond), Henry Frost, Grace Frost; and seven great grandchildren. Sister JoAnne Utter resides in Cedar Rapids. Deceased are sister Irma Dresselhaus of Davenport, IA and Aunt Sadie Kacer who shared the bilingual family home in Cedar Rapids.

Music was Ruth's passion, and all three sisters were music graduates of Coe College in Cedar Rapids. During their school years, three pianos simultaneously occupied the Kubik's cottage for practice and joint performance.

While awaiting husband Bob's return from the Army Dental Corps in the Philippines, Ruth supported herself by teaching primary school music, offering private piano lessons, and playing organ for weddings and church services. In Peoria, she played cello in the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, led the bell choir at First United Methodist Church, and was active in Amateur Musical Club. Well into her eighth decade, Ruth joined friend Sandy Losby in performing piano duets at senior communities in the Peoria area. Blessed with an elegant voice, perfect pitch, and classical music training, Ruth never hesitated offering opinions on contemporary tunes.

Ruth treated her yard and gardens as works of art. She was past president of the Peoria Garden Club and a founding member of the Central Illinois Hosta Society. At home, Bob spent countless hours helping Ruth groom the lawn and garden beds; as time passed, Scott Badgerow assumed garden management and later served Ruth as a caregiver and beloved companion.

Perpetually engaged in the community, Ruth served as president of Bradley University's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, (OLLI) and was a member of Peoria Dental Auxiliary among other organizations. Bob and Ruth, ever present at Franklin School and Peoria High events, were effusive in praise of teachers and staff who helped mold their children.

A private family celebration of life is planned in late April with internment at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens. Donations can be made to OLLI (Bradley.edu/supportolli), Peoria Garden Club (peoriagardenclub.org), Peoria Symphony Orchestra (peoriasymphony.org) or a charity of the donor's choice.