GROVELAND - Ruth A. Draear, 84, of Groveland, passed away Sunday, July 7, 2019 at UnityPoint Health Methodist in Peoria.
Ruth was born on July 22, 1934 in Olean, N.Y., to Hedley and Leona (Williams) Brook. She married Loren Draear on July 6, 1956 in Olean, N.Y.
Surviving are her husband, Loren, of Groveland; one son, Douglas (Cheryl) Draear of Tremont; two daughters, Diane Collins of Colorado Springs, CO. and Denise Erickson of Morton; seven grandchildren, Dustin (Whitney) Draear, Vanessa (Trenton) Noreen, Matthew Draear, Garrett and Elizabeth Collins, and Zachary and Olivia Erickson; four great-grandchildren, Savannah and Jordyn Draear, and Adalynn and Caden Noreen; and three brothers, Bill (Jane) Brook, John (Joyce) Brook, and Dale (Sage) Brook.
She is preceded in death by both parents; one brother, Tom Brook; and one sister, Bev Stady.
Ruth was an accomplished pianist and organist. She graduated from Fredonia State University with a degree in music education and went on to teach for many years. Ruth sang annually in Handel's Messiah, her last performance being in 2017. For many years, she used her musical gift of piano and song to bring joy to nursing home residents. She was a charter member of PEO Sisterhood which she participated in for over 25 years. Ruth was devoted to her family. She never missed an event involving her children or grandchildren. She belonged to Grace Church in Morton where she played the piano and organ. By founding the church's grade school, junior high, and high school choirs, and also initiating the Pioneer girls program, Ruth was able to pass on God's message of salvation to many. Ruth was a true example of a Godly woman. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who will be truly missed.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2019, at Grace Church in Morton, with Pastor Doug Habegger and Pastor Brad Habegger officiating. A visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Friday, July 12, 2019 at the church. Further visitation will be held at the church from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Saturday, prior to the service. Burial will be in Hirstein Cemetery in Morton.
Ruth's family would like to thank the staff at UnityPoint Health Methodist MICU Team for their outstanding and compassionate care.
Memorials may be made to Empower Life Center (formerly Women's Pregnancy Center), 1845 N. Knoxville Ave, Peoria, IL 61603.
Visitation
JUL 12. 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (CDT)
Grace Church
1325 E. Jefferson St.
Morton, IL
Visitation
JUL 13. 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM (CDT)
Grace Church
1325 E. Jefferson St.
Morton, IL
Service
JUL 13. 10:30 AM (CDT)
Grace Church
1325 E. Jefferson St.
Morton, IL