1916
Ruth
2009
Ruth Marie Sullivan
June 29, 1916 — November 26, 2009
Ruth Marie Sullivan, age 93, of Sherrard and Moline, passed away at Trinity Medical Center on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2009, with her loving husband at her beside.
Mrs. Sullivan has been entrusted to the care of the Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory of Moline. Funeral services for Ruth Sullivan will be celebrated 12 p.m. Monday, November 30, 2009 with a visitation one hour prior at the funeral home.
Ruth was born June 29, 1916, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, the daughter of Rev. Martin H. and Tillie Bast. Music was an important part of her early education and family life. Many family members played instruments, including Ruth who played the piano, the guitar, and also enjoyed singing hymns with her sisters. After graduating high school, Ruth attended Holiness Methodist School of Theology, and thereafter devoted many years to ministry and mission work. A longstanding member of Moline Missionary Church, Ruth continued her ministry through hospitality and Christian example.
On July 10, 1974, Ruth married Thomas Richard (Dick) Sullivan, who now survives her. At the age of 62, Ruth left her job at Deere & Co. to enjoy retirement with Dick, moving to Solon, Iowa, and later, Sherrard and Moline, Illinois. Together, they gardened flowers and vegetables, read books, and painted watercolors. Ruth also enjoyed crocheting, baking, and a great deal of her time was spent with her family. Ruth often said that the days spent with family were the happiest of all.
In addition to her husband, Dick of Moline, Ruth is survived by her children and their spouses, Sandra (Robert) Atherton, Rock Island, Mack (Sam) Sullivan, Moline, Kathy (Grant) Andersen, Moline, Debbie (Brian) Mayer, Gresham, Oregon, Pam (Kevin) Morter, Naples, Florida; stepchildren Mike Sullivan, Dallas, Texas and Tim (Rosa) Sullivan, Austin , Texas. Also surviving are sisters, Harriet Randall, Paynesville, Minnesota and Joan (John) Quinlin, Moline, 18 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Ruth was preceded in death by three children, Rhonda, Robert, and Richard, sister Joy, brother Dale, and her parents.
Online condolences may be expressed to Ruth's family by visiting her obituary at
www.esterdahlmortuary.com
Mrs. Sullivan has been entrusted to the care of the Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory of Moline. Funeral services for Ruth Sullivan will be celebrated 12 p.m. Monday, November 30, 2009 with a visitation one hour prior at the funeral home.
Ruth was born June 29, 1916, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, the daughter of Rev. Martin H. and Tillie Bast. Music was an important part of her early education and family life. Many family members played instruments, including Ruth who played the piano, the guitar, and also enjoyed singing hymns with her sisters. After graduating high school, Ruth attended Holiness Methodist School of Theology, and thereafter devoted many years to ministry and mission work. A longstanding member of Moline Missionary Church, Ruth continued her ministry through hospitality and Christian example.
On July 10, 1974, Ruth married Thomas Richard (Dick) Sullivan, who now survives her. At the age of 62, Ruth left her job at Deere & Co. to enjoy retirement with Dick, moving to Solon, Iowa, and later, Sherrard and Moline, Illinois. Together, they gardened flowers and vegetables, read books, and painted watercolors. Ruth also enjoyed crocheting, baking, and a great deal of her time was spent with her family. Ruth often said that the days spent with family were the happiest of all.
In addition to her husband, Dick of Moline, Ruth is survived by her children and their spouses, Sandra (Robert) Atherton, Rock Island, Mack (Sam) Sullivan, Moline, Kathy (Grant) Andersen, Moline, Debbie (Brian) Mayer, Gresham, Oregon, Pam (Kevin) Morter, Naples, Florida; stepchildren Mike Sullivan, Dallas, Texas and Tim (Rosa) Sullivan, Austin , Texas. Also surviving are sisters, Harriet Randall, Paynesville, Minnesota and Joan (John) Quinlin, Moline, 18 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Ruth was preceded in death by three children, Rhonda, Robert, and Richard, sister Joy, brother Dale, and her parents.
Online condolences may be expressed to Ruth's family by visiting her obituary at
www.esterdahlmortuary.com
To send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth Marie Sullivan, please visit our flower store.