Ruth Ellen Yoder, 84, of Rockford passed away Tuesday, October 9, 2018 with family at her side. Ruth was born on January 18, 1934 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Huston and Mary (Stater) Cook. Ruth married John Edward Yoder on March 8, 1958 in Des Moines, Iowa. Ruth was raised in Des Moines, Iowa; she raised her family here in Rockford for the past 48 years. Ruth was a member of Third Presbyterian Church in Rockford and worked for the Salvation Army and Wal-Mart for 30 years. She was a graduate of East High in Des Moines, Iowa. Ruth loved embroidering, playing cards and games. Ruth loved family dinners and being around family, most of the children always knew her as “nanny” or “granny”.
Ruth is survived by children: son David Yoder of Madison, WI, daughter Debora Nampel of Rockton, IL, son Duane Yoder and daughter Donna Squeo both of Rockford, IL; brother Thomas Cook of Bellingham, WA; many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Huston and Mary; husband John Edward; sons Dale and Donald Yoder.
Service to celebrate Ruth's life will be 3:00 pm on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at Advantage Funeral Home 7000 W. State Street in Rockford with Rev. Greg Albert officiating; visitation for Ruth will be from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family.