Ruth Evelyn Ghrist Ator

PITTSFIELD, Ill. -- Ruth Evelyn Ghrist Ator, 86, of Pittsfield, died Monday evening (Oct. 6, 2008) in the Pittsfield Eastside Healthcare. She was born Jan. 30, 1922, near Pittsfield, a daughter of the late George and Pearl Saylor Ghrist. She married Wayne Ator on June 6, 1942, in Pittsfield, and he died March 31, 2004. Ruth and Wayne shared the responsibilities of the family farming operation for many years. Ruth guided and helped develop the Ator Turkey Farm, which raised, dressed and sold thousands of turkeys in the area for 25 years. Ruth was an active member of the Pittsfield United Methodist Church and her activities included being a member of several of the boards of the church, Madonna Circle, and helping with many, many church dinners. Ruth was active in Home Extension for more than 50 years and she was a 4-H Leader for many of those years. In addition to her many church and farm activities, she and Wayne greatly enjoyed traveling and had visited 49 states. She especially enjoyed her annual visit to the home of her son, Estill, in Clear Creek Canyon, west of Denver, Colo. Ruth shared with Wayne a love for sports. Pittsfield High School teams, University of Illinois football and St. Louis Cardinals baseball were her favorites. When Wayne broadcast high school basketball games, Ruth was his scorekeeper and all around helper, even correcting his errors occasionally. Their union was blessed with five children all of whom survive, Estill Ator and wife, Debbie, of Dumont, Colo., Linda Carnes and husband, Jim, of Pittsfield, Linda's twin brother, Lynn Ator, also of Pittsfield, Lee Ator and his wife, Tammy, of Rockport, and Roberta Boarman and husband, John, of Toulon; well-loved grandchildren, Steven and Douglas Ator of Denver, Nancy Cooley of Perry, Brian Carnes of Tampa, Fla., Christy McGlauchlen of Milton, Tim Ator of Pittsfield, Michelle Daniels of Rockport, Jeff Ator of El Dara and Ryan Boarman of Normal; and 12 great-grandchildren who were a special blessing in her declining years. Other survivors include her sister, Judy Clark of Bartonville; two nieces of the Peoria area; and one nephew in Pennsylvania. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and two grandsons, John Ator and Kyle Boarman. SERVICES: 11 a.m. Friday in the Pittsfield United Methodist Church in Pittsfield. Burial will be in Pittsfield West Cemetery. VISITATION: 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield. MEMORIALS: Pittsfield United Methodist Church or to the Pikeland School Foundation, c/o the funeral home. ONLINE CONDOLENCES: www.airsman-hires.com. ARRANGEMENTS: Airsman-Hires Funeral Home, Pittsfield. Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.