Ruthann Stevens Holecek

Ruthann Stevens Holecek of Berwyn, Illinois passed away peacefully on Friday, April 7th, 2023 at the age of 92 with her daughters at her side. The second daughter of Winifred Corrin and Joseph Stevens, she was born September 3rd, 1930 in Pontiac, Michigan. The family relocated to St. Louis, Missouri in 1941. Upon graduation from Clayton High School in Missouri, Ruthann earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Michigan State University. Following a two year teaching position in Bedford, England, she was employed by Chicago’s Culinary Institute writing and editing cookbooks. She met and married Vladimir Holecek in 1959. He established Holecek Pharmacy in Berwyn where Ruthann worked with Vladimir as an apprentice pharmacist until the pharmacy closed in 1989. She taught home economics in the Berwyn public schools, and sewing, tailoring, knitting, crochet, cross stitch and needlepoint classes in local shops in Berwyn, and fashion history at Triton College. In addition, she completed a masters degree from Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago and became a Registered Dietician in 1982. She served nursing homes as a dietician until her retirement at age 77.

With her aunt, Margaret Corrin, she traveled extensively over fourteen years researching family genealogy, publishing the results in "My Yankee Ancestors". In addition, she visited all 50 United States as well as many European and United Kingdom destinations. She was passionate about supporting the fine arts, attending the Lyric Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Drury Lane Theater for many seasons. She was a devoted 50 year member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Chicago Doll Collectors Club whose purpose is to collect, restore and refurbish antique dolls. Over many years, she knitted caps for newborns in summer and crocheted afghans in winter for local hospitals.

She was devoted to her family and friends - always ready to sit and have a good talk. Most will remember Ruthann with a cup of coffee or a Tab/Diet Coke with either a book or needlework in hand.

Ruthann is survived by her daughters Peggy Holecek Patt (Paul) and Marie Holecek (Jack Piepgras,) sister Jeanette Stevens Myers, brother Charles Stevens (Judy), nieces Suzanne Myers, Carol Miyake, Ruth Myers (Carter), Sarah Stevens, and nephews David (Nic), Joe Stevens and great nieces and nephews. Ruthann was a “Bonus” grandmother to seven step-grandchildren and one great grandson. She was preceded in death by husband Vladi and brother-in-law Allen Myers.

Friends and family will gather for a visitation for Ruthann that will be held on Saturday, May 20th from 2:00 - 4:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life service beginning at 4PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 7750 West Cermak Road, Forest Park, Illinois 60130. There will be a private burial in St. Louis, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations for a DAR scholarship may be sent to George Rogers Clark DAR Chapter, P.O. Box 6511 River Forest, Illinois 60305

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnchicago.com for the Holecek family.