Ruth Abel

Ruth Abel, age 87, of Peoria, passed away on Sunday May 9, 2021 at UnityPoint Health Methodist in Peoria.
Ruth was born on August 2, 1933 in Streator, IL to William F. and Wilhelmina "Minnie" (nee Kolb) Baxendale. She married Donald L. Abel on February 14, 1981 in Dunlap, IL He preceded her in death on May 21, 2015. Also preceding her in death are her parents; three children, Howard, Diane and Daniel Gaisford; one stepson, Donald L. Abel, Jr.; and her brothers, Norman and Eugene Baxendale.
Surviving are her children, Timothy J. (LuAnn) Gaisford of Warsaw, IN, Gregory A. Gaisford of Battlefield, MO and Deborah S. (Rick) Stokes of Deer Creek, IL; her daughter-in-law, Lori D. Gaisford of Kenai, AK; her step daughter-in-law, Flo (Tim) Abel-Kooi of Peoria, IL, and her stepchildren, Debra Puglsey of Peoria, IL and James (Kirsty) Abel of Chillicothe, IL; 16 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Also surviving are three nephews and one niece and their families.
Ruth was the "Avon Lady" for a number of years and worked in the Boy Scouts of America office. She was a member of the Forrest Hill United Methodist Church where she was active with the Kids Club, VBS and Sunday School. She enjoyed crafting and doing jigsaw puzzles, was a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts and went on many family camping trips when her children were young.
Services will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 2pm at Forrest Hill United Methodist Church in Peoria with visitation beginning at 12:30pm at the church. Burial will be at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria. Rev. Cecilia Granidosin will be officiating. Memorials may be made to Forrest Hill United Methodist Church, the Peoria Rescue Mission or SouthSide Mission. Arrangements are under the care of Cumerford-Clary Funeral Home in Peoria. Online condolences may be made through www.cumerfordclary.com