Ruth Van Winkle

She was born June 2, 1928 in Aurora, NE, a daughter of Louis A. and Lulu M. Springer Schertz. She married Daniel Duane Van Winkle on December 10, 1950 in Washington. He preceded her in death in 1971 in East Peoria.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and one infant daughter.

Surviving are three children, Greg (Mariann) Van Winkle of Brookfield, WI, Kevin (Mary) Van Winkle of Schertz, TX, and Lisa (Mike) Lewis of Peoria; eight grandchildren, Kara (Ben) Hogue of Pensacola, FL, Kyle Van Winkle of Austin, TX, Kraig Van Winkle, and Kelly Van Winkle both of Schertz TX, Laura Van Winkle of Brookfield, WI, Colin Van Winkle of Baltimore, MD, Carolyn Van Winkle of Brookfield, WI, and Libby Lewis of Peoria; one great grandson, Sammy Hogue of Pensacola, FL; one brother, Deryl (Margaret) Schertz of Metamora; and one sister, LaDoris Davis of Naples, FL.

Ruth moved with her family to Euerka in March of 1942 and graduated from Euerka High School in May of 1946. She then continued her education, graduating from Methodist School of Nursing in September of 1950.

She started her career at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria and served as a Clinical Coordinator of Main Surgery Recovery Room. In 1977 she became the Assistant Nursing Director and Clinical Coordinator of Recovery of the Ambulatory Surgery Center. In 1978 she was elected a board member of the Illinois Association of Recovery Room Nurses. In 1983 she was recognized with an award by the Association of Operating Room Nurses for new Ambulatory Recovery Procedures. Her last four years before retirement in 1989, she was the Coordinator of Utilization Review.

She was a member of the Methodist Medical Center Service League, serving as Chairman of the annual Gift Show in 1999, Quatrefoil Club, serving as president for Methodist Employee’s, and she played the role of Mrs. Claus at the annual Christmas Party for years.

She was a former member of Faith United Methodist Church in East Peoria, where she was active as the Chairperson of Council of Ministries, Chairperson of Pastor Parish Relations, and sang in the Choir. She was currently a member of First United Methodist Church in Peoria, where she volunteered with the Loaves and Fish Ministry, Hostess for Night Life Worship on Saturdays, Sanctuary Choir, United Methodist Women, and served on various committees.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 30, 2010 at First United Methodist Church in Peoria. Rev. Glenn Ioder will officiate. Visitation will be two hours prior to the services at church. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria is in charge of arrangements.

View Ruth’s life story at www.RemmertFuneralHome.com.

Memorials may be made to the Loaves and Fish Ministry at First United Methodist Church in Peoria.