Dear Tom and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will never forget our friend Ruth.
She was one of the most loving, thoughful and true friends we ever had. May God be with you in a very special way during this home going time.

Mel and Sue

We will always cherish our time with Ruth and Tom at Madison Ave. Baptist Church. Ruth so faithful in teaching the kindergarten class and Tom in greeting everyone. Such true and faithful friends.tY

Jim and Tommy, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother and grandmother. Having just lost my mother a few weeks ago, my heart aches for both of you. There are no words that will ease the loss but there is great comfort in knowing that each of you are in our hearts and prayers. Please know that we are here for you if you need anything.

With Sincerest Sympathy
Sharon Sills

Tom, Barb, Jimmy and Family,

I consider myself very fortunate to have know Ruth! Whenever the weather was bad outside, she always called to make sure we made it home OK. I enjoyed the many visits with her in your apartment. Ruth always made us feel welcome. She will truly be missed!

Sincerely,

Craig Campbell

The first time I met Ruth and Tom was on my wedding day. They came all the way from Cleveland, OH to Silvis, IL, for their nephews wedding. (few other family members on my husbands side of the family were able to make it) A few years later we were visiting in their home with our 2 young sons. Ruth was so kind and took good care of our family, making us feel "at home". She treated our boys as

The first time I met Ruth and Tom was on my wedding day. They came all the way from Cleveland, OH to Silvis, IL, for their nephews wedding. (few other family members on my husbands side of the family were able to make it) A few years later we were visiting in their home with our 2 young sons. Ruth was so kind and took good care of our family, making us feel "at home". She treated our boys as if they were her own grandchildren. Our children, also, have fond memories of our time with Ruth. (And Tom :-) Praying for you all.

Love, Debbie

I will always remember Ruth sitting on "HER" pew - no one else dare to sit there not because she said that but because everyone else said that.

One of the memories I have is asking her why she didn't sing. She responded by saying someone in a choir told her she couldn't sing - she never sang in public again. What a shame and probably what a loss of a talent. But I could see that inside her heart

I will always remember Ruth sitting on "HER" pew - no one else dare to sit there not because she said that but because everyone else said that.

One of the memories I have is asking her why she didn't sing. She responded by saying someone in a choir told her she couldn't sing - she never sang in public again. What a shame and probably what a loss of a talent. But I could see that inside her heart she was singing real loud with raised hands worshipping and praising God. She's doing that now and God and Jesus are not going to tell her to hush!

She would always be in prayer for us - sending us cards with the sweetest messages written by her arthritic hand and direct from her heart. She cared for people and greeted each loving person with a kiss and/or hug. She was the matriarch of Madison Avenue Baptist Church - now she is greeting the saints coming home. We shall see her again real soon!

Our love and prayers remain with the family - we think of Tom and how close him and Ruth were - they were beautiful and we are so blessed to have known Ruth as well as Tom. We shall see her again in our home in Heaven!

Mr. Reed, our prayers are with you. I will miss Mrs Reed big smile, laughter and jokes when we meet at church.