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Ruth Kirkhus Obituary
PEORIA - Ruth S. Kirkhus, 92, of Peoria died at 1:45 a.m. Friday, Nov. 19, 2010, at Rosewood Nursing Home in Peoria.
Born June 11, 1918, in Newark, Ill., to Severin and Edna Severson Mathre, she married Harold P. Kirkhus on June 25, 1936, in Newark. He preceded her in death in Peoria in 1995.
Ruth's relationship with God began at an early age and sustained her throughout her whole life. Her music was a gift that she used in the service of her faith. She was the organist at Salem Lutheran Church for many years. She also worked for Peoria School District 150 for 19 years, retiring in 1973.
Ruth is survived by four children, her son, John (Barbara) Kirkhus of Salt Point, N.Y.; and three daughters, Mary Jane (Jerrold) Hinshaw of Dunlap, Sue (Christian) Swanson of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Karen (Fred) Mason of Greenland, N.H.; as well as 11 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. One brother, Howard (Corinne) Mathre; and a sister-in-law, Eloise (Sherman) Mathre also survive her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Mildred Scott; and two brothers, Orville and Sherman Mathre.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 22, at Grace and Peace Lutheran Church on Knoxville, with the Rev. Wayne Shelksohn officiating. Visitation at the church will be one hour before the service at 9 a.m. Visitation will also be held at The Wilton Mortuary on Knoxville Avenue on Sunday, Nov. 21, from 4 to 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest donations be given to Grace and Peace Lutheran Church or to the South Side Mission.
Online condolences may be given to the family at www.thewiltonmortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Mary Whitledge
November 21, 2010
I have many wonderful memories of Ruth, but my favorite is when she described herself as a prayer warrior. I don't think I've ever met a woman who so reflected the love of Christ as Ruth did. Even during the end of her life here on earth, when I'd visit and bring her communion, she blessed me with the way she prayed and her gentle, gentle manner. I thank God for the blessing of knowing Ruth. Mary Whitledge
November 21, 2010
I have many wonderful memories of Ruth, but my favorite is when she described herself as a prayer warrior. I don't think I've ever met a woman who so reflected the love of Christ as Ruth did. Even during the end of her life here on earth, when I'd visit and bring her communion, she blessed me with the way she prayed and her gentle, gentle manner. I thank God for the blessing of knowing Ruth. Mary Whitledge
From Rosewood
November 20, 2010
Sorry about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Fred, Susan & Ryan Orio
November 20, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this sad time. Hoping that all your loving memories of Ruth...mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many, will bring comfort. With heartfelt condolences and sympathy.
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Monica Mann
November 20, 2010
Sorry about the loss of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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