MOUNT MORRIS – Ruth I. Hartman Buck, 88, of Mount Morris, died Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, at her home.
Ruth was born the daughter of Frank and Mae (Miller) Butterbaugh in rural Ogle County. After her mother died, her father married Laura (White), who raised her. Ruth married William L. Hartman on April 11, 1947, in Ogle County. William preceded her in death. Ruth then married John S. Buck on May 25, 1996, in Mount Morris. John also preceded her in death.
Ruth was a local elementary school teacher for 39 years, retiring in May 1984.
Ruth lived in the Mount Morris area for more than 50 years, moving from the Mount Carroll area.
She was a member of the Church of The Brethren, retired teacher organizations at the county and state levels, and a member of Mount Morris Senior Center. Ruth earned her Bachelor of Science degree in education.
Ruth is survived by one son, Michael (Susan) Hartman of Polo; seven grandchildren, William (Abby) Hartman, Maggie (David) Swaim, and Naomi Hartman, all of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Aaron, Emily, Nathan, and Hannah Hartman, all of Polo; and one nephew, Tom (Marcia) Joynt and family of Petaluma, Calif.
Ruth also was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Leone, Esther, and LaVonne; and one son, Jeffrey.
Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at West Branch Church of The Brethren, Forreston, with Ruth's family officiating. Burial will be at West Branch Cemetery, Forreston. Arrangements were completed by Finch Funeral Home, Mount Morris.
A memorial has been established to Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home Good Samaritan fund.