Ruth E. Mitchell
November 28, 1923 ~ July 28, 2021
Ruth E. Mitchell, 97, of Taylorville, passed away at 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at Taylorville Care Center.
Ruth was born November 28, 1923 in Bird Township, rural Macoupin County, the daughter of Walter and Mary O. (Joiner) Whittaker. She married Dwain Mitchell on July 21, 1942 in Cape Girardeau, MO. He preceded her in death on December 29, 2011.
Upon graduating high school, Ruth attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale for two years. She then went on to work as a plant clerk for the telephone company, before becoming a full-time homemaker for Dwain and her two children. Ruth was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Taylorville.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Carolyn Purdy; son, Roger Mitchell; and siblings, Mary E. Biondolino, and Almer Whittaker.
Ruth is survived by her daughter-in-law, Jackie Mitchell of Cave Creek, AZ; grandchildren, Carolyn (Mike) Cronin, Thomas S. (Michelle Reese) Mitchell, Sr., Michael B. Mitchell, and Jacob L. (Angie Verburg) Mitchell; great grandchildren, Joe Cronin, Crystal Mitchell, Charlotte Mitchell, Thomas S. Mitchell, Jr., Aiden Mitchell, Leo Mitchell, and Katie Verburg; sister, Clela Hines of East Alton; and several nieces and nephews.
A private family graveside ceremony will be held at Fraley Cemetery in Taylorville.
The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin St., Taylorville, IL 62568 with ceremonies.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.
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We would like to express our condolences to Ruthie’s family.
It was my privilege to share a bond of family relationship with Ruthie. Since she was my oldest cousin, I was closer in age to her daughter, Carolyn, and loved being with her as a child.
Though we were separated by the Atlantic Ocean or the Canadian border for most of our years, John and I have special memories of the spiritual bond we felt with Ruthie and Dwain on the rare occasions when we met. I also appreciated the help I received from them in communication regarding our family tree.
An outstanding memory is of the time when Ruthie and Dwain flew out to DeLand, Florida in August 2009 to celebrate my mother’s 100th birthday with our family!
We will continue to remember Ruthie as a special cousin and a sweet, caring person who left her mark on our lives.
With our love and prayers,
Faye (and John) Rueck