Ruth Mary McFadden

1939 - 2022

Ruth Mary McFadden
Born: November 13, 1939 in Decorah, IA
Died: October 5, 2022 in Sterling, IL
STERLING - Ruth Mary McFadden, 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 5th, 2022 surrounded by her family. Ruth was the only child born to Raymond and Esther (Bodensteiner) Balk on November 13, 1939, in Decorah, lowa. It was on the family farm where she developed her lifelong love of horses, dogs and old barns. When she was seven, the family moved to Rock Falls, IL. She attended St. Mary's and St. Andrew's Grade Schools. She was in St. Andrew's first graduating eighth grade class and then went on to graduate from Newman Central High. That is where she met the love of her life, Tom McFadden. She attended Girls State and received a full scholarship to St. Anthony's Hospital School of Nursing. Ruth and Tom were married Oct. 14, 1961, and celebrated 50 years of marriage. Ruth worked as an RN at CGH Medical Center for 45 years taking exceptional care of her patients. You could always find her with a book in hand as she had a love of reading and writing poetry and short stories. She had a quiet wit and did small things with great love. Walking, biking, and spending time with her grandchildren were her favorite activities. She had a special knack for making peanut brittle and chocolate chip cookies. At the center of Ruth's heart was her family, especially her children and grandchildren whom she loved dearly. Ruth was a great listener and kind friend to anyone she met.
Ruth is survived by her children Tom J. McFadden of Sterling, IL, Anne (Tim) Nehrkorn of Rock Falls, IL, Theresa (Bob) Burger of Rock Falls, IL, and Susan (Jim) Steffey of Harrison, Ohio. Her grandchildren Karina Nehrkorn, Drew Burger, C.J., Logan, and Nicole Steffey.
She is preceeded in death by her husband Tom D McFadden, her father and mother, and one daughter.
Rosary will be recited at 1:30pm on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls. Visitation will follow from 2:00-4:00pm. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am on Monday, October 10, 2022 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Rock Falls, with a dinner following. Private interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Grade School, St. Andrew's Grade School, or Rock River Hospice & Home.
Online condolences may be at www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com