Ruth E. Pennycook

RUTH E. PENNYCOOK, 67 ROCKTON - Ruth E. Pennycook, 67, of Rockton died at 6:43 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008, in Fair Oaks Nursing Home, South Beloit. Born April 2, 1940, in Janesville, Wis., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley and Edna (Kersten) Pennycook. Lived her younger years in Janesville and then moved to Rockton more than 40 years ago. Ruth was employed as an elementary school teacher by Kinnikinnick School District. She would take her students to Washington, D.C., and was named Teacher of the Year. After retiring, she worked for Rockton Chamber of Commerce, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and McCorkle Funeral Home. Member of St. John Lutheran Church in Janesville, and was involved with many boards, councils and many activities of the church. In the various organizations listed, Ruth held many positions of president, vice president, officer and committee chairperson: PTO, Rockton Talcott Free Library Board, Rockton Chamber of Commerce, Rockton Historical Society, Board of Director of Highview in the Woodlands, American Association of University Women, where she was named Woman of the Year, American Field Service, American Business Women's Association of Rockford, Board of Greater Rockton Community Center, involved with Old Settler's Days, Beatty IS, Stateline United Way, she initiated the New Teacher Breakfast, RO/RO and Rockton's Christmas Walk. Ruth was honored for her volunteerism in the Stateline by the Beloit Daily News. She was also a member of the Stamp Club in Rockton. She liked to sew, do scrapbooking and cross-stitch. Graduated from Janesville High School, Green County Teachers College in Monroe, Wis., Rockford College, class of 1969, and studied at the University of Oslo, Norway. Survivors include sisters, Jane and Lois Pennycook, both of Janesville; nephews, Adam (Audra) Pennycook, Jason (Heidi) Pennycook, Greg Pennycook and Mark Pennycook; sister-in-law, Phyllis Pennycook; great-nephew, Justin Pennycook; great-nieces, Courtney and Hannah Pennycook; aunt, Dorothy Smyth; and numerous cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Warren. Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, in St. John Lutheran Church, 302 N. Parker Drive, Janesville, with the Rev. Bond Haldeman, pastor, officiating. Burial in Bethel Cemetery, Janesville. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, in McCorkle Funeral Home, 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd, Rockton, and from 11 a.m. to service time at the church on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Rockton Historical Society, PO Box 37, Rockton, IL 61072, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2336 Freeport Road, Rockton, IL 61072 or St. John Lutheran Church, Janesville, Wis. Visit mccorklefuneralhome.com to send online condolences.