Ruth Stewart, 85, of Washington, passed away at 10:37pm Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

She was born September 14, 1937 in Fort Madison, Iowa to Christopher and Rose Pomberg Menke.  She married Gilbert Dean Stewart in Fort Madison on October 6, 1956.  He preceded her in death on February 18, 1984.  She was also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; three brothers; and one son, Christopher.

Surviving are five children, Diane (Tim) VandeSchraaf, Nancy DeLong, Matt (Kathy) Stewart, Tony Stewart, Kathy Stewart; four grandchildren, Troy (Kasey) VandeSchraaf, Kelli (Brian Foster) VandeSchraaf, David (Kelsey Grobbel) Stewart, Jamie Stewart and five great-grandchildren.

Ruth had a strong faith in God and showed kindness to everyone she met.  She was a child care provider in her home for 15 years. Then, she was a caregiver to a good friend for 11 years.  She was a member of St. Monica's Catholic Church in East Peoria, recently attending St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington.  She enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, sewing, painting, playing cards and spending time with her family.  She will be dearly missed.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10 am Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington.  Inurnment will be at Hillcrest Memory Gardens in Morton.  Deiters Funeral Home in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sister Mary Ann Scholarship Fund at St. Patrick School in Washington, IL.