Ruth Steele
Ruth Holbert Steele, 99, of Normal passed away on Friday, March 30, 2018 at Luther Oaks, Bloomington.
There will be a private burial and a celebration of life service at a later date.
Ruthie was known for her brisk daily walks on Constitution Trail, a practice that delighted her into her nineties. Also, in her nineties, she was featured in a nationwide Mitsubishi television commercial.
She was born February 20, 1919, in Normal, to Dr. J. R. and Bertha Holbert. She married Leon Steele in 1941.
Survivors include a son Denny (Linda) and daughter Nancy (Tom), both of Bloomington; grandchildren Stephen Brokaw, Chicago; Katie Brokaw, Merced, California; Angie Steele (Scott Edenfield) Oak Park; and Ben Steele (Jen) Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and great grandchildren Elise Steele Edenfield and Ian Steele Edenfield, Oak Park.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Bob and son David.
She was a graduate of Normal Community High School and Illinois Wesleyan University, where she majored in theatre.
Ruth was a longtime member of Second Presbyterian Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher, the first ordained woman Elder, a Trustee, President of the Women’s Association, Circle member and volunteer.
She was a member of several bridge clubs as well as a longtime member of many other clubs and community organizations. Among them are Longfellow Club, Kappa Delta Sorority (75-year member, Order of the Emerald), PEO Chapter AW (50-year member), McLean County Historical Society, As You Like It Club, Travel Club, Normal History Club, Scroll and Fan Club, Bloomington-Normal Women’s Club, College Alumni, ISO Symphony Guild, Friends of the Constitution Trail, ISU Friends of the Arts, and IWU President’s Club. She was a long-time supporter of YWCA, where she was a lifeguard and swimming teacher. Ruth was also a long-time volunteer with History Museum and a Girl and Cub Scout leader. She volunteered at Brokaw Hospital for many years and was honored as one of the 9 people still volunteering at 90 years old.
Ruth’s favorite expression was, “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” She had a big smile and kept it to the end.
She was a longtime supporter of Illinois Wesleyan University, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Prairie Fire Theatre and Second Presbyterian Church. Memorials can be made to these or other organizations.
The family would like to thank the staff at Luther Oaks for the wonderful and loving care they gave our mother over the last five years.
Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be made to www.calvertmemorial.com
