Ruth Ann Sivley Black

Ruth Ann Sivley Black

July 13, 1951 - January 12, 2024

Ruth Ann Sivley Black, 72, of Corvallis, OR, died on January 12th in Adair Village, OR, following a six-year battle with cervical cancer.

She was born in Houston, TX on July 13, 1951 to Louis R. Sivley and Ruby Lois Baxter Sivley.

Ruth earned a BA degree in Education from Steven F. Austin University and an MS degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.

She married Bruce M. Black on May 7, 1972, and they had two children, Andrew and David.

Ruth worked in early childhood education for more than 20 years. She established, administered and taught the first public school pre-kindergarten program in the Millstadt, IL Consolidated School District.

She was an outspoken and tireless advocate of women's rights and the education of all children, especially those of pre-kindergarten age. She worked with other members of the American Association of University Women and numerous teacher's groups. At home, she devoted time and efforts to genealogical research, and she wrote several books chronicling family history.

She detested cilantro, loved Suisse Mocha, made the best chicken fried steak in the world, collected first-edition children's Little Golden Books (well over a thousand), and was the only one who could pet her skittish cat.

Ruth is survived by husband Bruce, sons Andrew and David, grandchildren Charlie, Clara and Harper, sister Helen and brothers Albert and Eugene.

Memorial services will be held at the Willamette National Cemetery at a date to be announced.

McHenry Funeral Home is handling arrangements.