Ruth L. Dennis

Ruth L. (Spalding) Dennis Almost 75 years ago, a young Navy officer and an even younger college coed married in a priest's parlor in Norfolk, VA. They are once again together. Ruth Lorene (nee Spalding) Dennis, age 96, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2020 at Riverside Hospital, surrounded by family. She rejoins the love of her life, Dwight (Bud) Dennis, just shy of their 75th wedding anniversary. Ruth was born on August 15, 1923 in Collinsville IL to William and Gertrude Spalding and graduated from Collinsville High School where she excelled in music. She went on to attend Illinois State Normal University graduating in 1945 with a degree in music education. On April 1, 1945, she married Dwight (Bud) Dennis of Momence, IL and together they had seven children. She took a teaching position in Moweaqua IL, where she was band director, later moving to Champaign, Kankakee and Momence where she taught elementary school for many years. She was a city girl who got a quick introduction to farm life after she and Bud moved to a farmhouse that was barely habitable at first but was turned into a very comfortable home. She learned to drive a tractor, tend chickens and ducks, grow a large garden and prepare meals for large hungry crews shelling corn. The farmhouse was also ground-zero for extended family gatherings. She regularly hosted dozens of cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and assorted family members for major holidays. After retirement, she and Bud wintered in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, where they made many friends at the Yellow Rose Park in La Feria. They also traveled extensively with the Kankakee area Holiday Ramblers RV Club. After Bud preceded her to Heaven on February 20, 1992, Ruth continued to enjoy her winters in Texas, traveling around the country and into Mexico. Music, education and her faith were big parts of her life, an abiding, quiet faith steeped in love for all peoples of all cultures and races. She played piano and organ for the First Baptist Church in Momence for many years and continued to play for worship services at her park in Texas and the Bickford House in Bourbonnais. She taught computer education for adults in Momence in the '80s, often staying just a lesson or two ahead of her classes. She dabbled at painting, ceramics and other crafts, producing lovely pieces that grace her children's homes. With seven children, all of whom insisted they were her favorite, she also wound up being the SuperMom who was involved in scouting and Momence Band Boosters. Ruth dearly loved children although her own routinely tried her patience such that she developed a very accurate aim when throwing shoes at those who "taunted" her while she was on the phone. Her extensive collection of plates with children's portraits decorated the farmhouse and her winter Texas home. No child was ever lacking for love in her presence; she also sponsored a child in Mexico at an orphanage for many years. Ruth welcomed the neighbor's children and numerous nieces and nephews into her home as her own. With her birthday coinciding with the Momence Gladiolas Festival, it became a major annual family reunion. She loved to laugh and could find something to laugh about even with increasing problems of age. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Dwight, her parents, sister Leona, son William (Bill), and sisters-in-law and their husbands Mary Alice (LaVerne) Wagner and Laura Lu (David) Sanstrom, and nephew Jack Wagner. She is survived by sons Pat (Susie) of Springfield, IL, Jon (Sigrid) of St. Cloud, MN, Mike (Angella) of Union, KY, and Tim (Alicia) of St. Charles, IL and daughters Kathy (Kim) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Peggy (Bob) Carnahan of Marshfield, MO; ten grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren plus special step- great grandson Patrick; 10 nieces and nephews, Maureen Burns, Bob Wagner, Leo Wagner (all formerly of Herscher), Dave, Jim, Gerry and Joe Sanstrom and their sister, Sue King (all formerly of Momence), Jean Coffman and Jim Bordoni; numerous great- and great-great- nieces and nephews; and the Combs, Vitiello and St. Peter families who were special neighbors and friends. The family will have services at a later date with arrangements by Cotter Funeral Home in Momence. The family suggests memorials to the First Baptist Church of Momence, http://fbcmomence.com, or Disabled Veterans, one of her favorite charities, www.dav.org. The family thanks the staff at Bickford of Bourbonnais for their years of loving care and tolerating a family of high-strung offspring who deeply loved their Mom. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Ruth L. Dennis

August 15, 1923 - March 26, 2020

Find a loved one Find a loved one