Ruth Askins, 81, of Pekin, passed away at 4:36pm Friday, January 23, 2026 at her daughter's home in Creve Coeur.

Ruth was born September 30, 1944 in Corning, NY to the late Albert G. and Mary V. Sutton. She married Robert "Bob" E. Askins in 1970, and he preceded her in death in 2013.

Surviving are their children, Mary (Parish) Cameron and Kelly Askins; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and sister, Clara Miller.

She was also preceded in death by her sister, Jeanne Sutton; brother, Lee Sutton; grandson, Timothy; and great-granddaughter, Angel.

Ruth graduated from Practical Bible Training Institute, Broome Co., NY, in 1965. She was a devout follower of Christ, serving as an active member of her church home in New York and attended church locally at Pekin First Church of the Nazarene where she was a member of the Widows' Journey Group on Monday nights. While living at the UAW Senior Center in Pekin, she participated in Bible studies and bingo, was active in the "The Club" and volunteered wherever needed. At both church and home, she loved to sing. Over the years, she was active in the Dairyland Parade, owned a retail store in, and farmed dairy, all in New York and enjoyed vacationing at Allegheny Mountain Resort. She and Bob were foster parents to many children over 30 years, touching countless lives.

Inurnment will be at Woodhull Cemetery in Woodhull, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bridgeway Foundation or Autism Foundation.