Ruth Anne McElroy

She was born Ruthanne Harris in Pekin, IL, on July 31, 1940. We are heartbroken to lose someone so special. She was predeceased by her grandmother-Ora Monroe; father and mother-Ralph and Wilmadean Harris; sisters Wanda (Harris) Ball and Shirley (Harris) Wilson. All her aunts and uncles also predeceased Ruthanne.

Ruthanne is survived by her son and daughter in law Richard and Barbara McElroy; their three children/her grandchildren-Iris Dillon, Haley and Ricky McElroy; daughter and son in law-Tammy and Greg Krowel; daughter-Jackie McElroy. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Ruthanne was not only beautiful, she had an effervescent spirit. She liked to laugh, and had an amazing wit and sense of humor. She was also very courageous. She kept all those qualities until she passed peacefully.

Ruthanne's career path led her through many different walks of life. In high school, she worked at her Uncle's A & W Root Beer Stand in Havana, IL. Later, she worked as a Secretary for the VP of Interstate Steel. Next she managed a Bressler's 33 Flavors ice cream shop at the O'hare Hilton's terminal. Perhaps where she developed her love of ice cream.

Ruthanne later became a Real Estate Broker in the Chicago area, and was in the top ten percent of her peers for many years in a row. She liked people.

She moved from Illinois to Omaha, NE in 2003. There she became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She supported genealogical research for many families. Additionally, she belonged to a Senior Center in Omaha and loved to socialize, play chair volleyball and Tai Chi. Ruthanne McElroy was a valued member of many communities.

There will be an Inurnment Memorial Ceremony at Mount Saint Francis Columbarium in Colorado Springs, CO on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 10:00 am.