Ruth Irene Bromley, age 90, of Washington, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Serenity Assisted Living and Memory Care in East Peoria; surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born February 6, 1933 in Stafford, Kansas to the late Ray and Elna Wilson.  Ruth was also preceded in death by her sister, Lucile Ebert of Burlington, Iowa.

Growing up, Ruth attended elementary and high school in Langdon, Kansas.  She continued her education at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma.  Ruth graduated in 1955 with a degree in Christian Education.  Following graduation, Ruth moved to Galesburg, Illinois serving at First Christian Church as Christian Education Director from 1955 to 1959.  While there she met and married Robert Bromley.  Together they moved to Sandoval, IL, Louisiana, MO, and Eureka, IL following Bob's pastoral career.

In 1970, Ruth returned to school at Eureka College, earning her teaching certificate.  She went on to achieve her Masters in Reading from Illinois State University in 1986.  Ruth taught in District 140 at Congerville, Goodfield, and Eureka Elementary Schools for 28 years.  Ruth taught second grade and was a reading specialist later in her career.  Ruth loved working with the children.  During this time, Ruth hosted students from Swaziland and California through the American Field Service.

As Ruth's kids were growing up, the family spent summers traveling all over the USA.  They were able to see a lot of the country by camping across the states in National Parks.  During this time, Ruth and Bob divorced and she moved to Peoria.  She continued her travels by visiting her children and grandchildren that lived out of state.  There were many family summer vacations with all the children and grandchildren.

From her days in Eureka, Ruth has been an active member of the Glen Oak Christian Church in Peoria.  She started attending in 1973.  She has served in almost every capacity, including Sunday School Teacher, VBS teacher, Elder, Outreach Chair, Membership Chair, Weekday Wonders circle leader, Chi-Rho sponsor, Illinois Valley Cluster representative, Regional Committee member, Representative for state and general assemblies, Snack Pack participant in its beginning phase and she chaired the Board in 2009 and 2010.  The church and these programs were a large part of Ruth's life and her dedication to service.  Recently Ruth was recognized by Glen Oak as an Elder Emeritus.

Continuing Ruth's life of service, she was an active member of the Alpha Delta Kappa, Teacher's Sorority, Theta Chapter.  She volunteered at Wildlife Prairie Park from 1998 to 2018.  Additionally she gave her time to Friendship House and Common Place.  In her remaining free time, she enjoyed being out in nature, gardening, and quilting.

Ruth is survived by her children; Dee (Jim) Hasty of Peoria, Illinois, Jeanette (Kelly) Klaus of Clarksville, Tennessee, David (Heather) Bromley of Great Mills, Maryland, and Tim (Jill) Bromley of Peoria, Illinois; her grandchildren, Kirk Klaus of Blackstone, Virginia, Kyle Klaus of Akron, Ohio, Alex Bromley of Great Mills, Maryland, Cameryn Bromley of Germantown Hills, Illinois, Grace (Brian) Gilfillan of Peoria, Illinois, Stuart (Amanda) Hasty of Wilmington, North Carolina; and her five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 6pm Friday, October 27th at Glen Oak Christian Church in Peoria.  Visitation will be one hour before the service from 5 to 6pm at the church.  Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Ruth's life of service, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.