OREGON – Lloyd Curtis Ruthe, age 88, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 at the Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon surrounded by his loving family. He was born Oct. 19, 1933 in Baileyville, the son of Frederick and Rena (Meiners) Ruthe.
He graduated from Forreston High School and Northern Illinois University. Lloyd served his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. He married Janice K Hodgson on June 2, 1961 in Warren. He taught at the Forreston Grade School 1 year, taught industrial Arts, became the Principal of the Pleasant Hill School in Oregon, and then taught over 35 years at the Etnyre Grade School retiring in 1997. Lloyd coached track and basketball. Lloyd was a longtime member of the Ebenezer Reformed Church where he previously served as a Deacon, caretaker of the cemetery, and played on the church softball team. He liked bird watching, painting, puzzles, woodworking, going camping, and fishing.
He was predeceased by his parents Frederick and Rena Ruthe, brothers Calvin and Marvin Ruthe, sisters Esther Hagemann and Lucille Ruthe.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years Janice, 3 sons: Todd (Charlene) Ruthe of Oregon, Jeffrey Ruthe of Rockford, Michael Ruthe of Chicago, brother Dale Ruthe of Baileyville, grandchildren Amber Ruthe (Austin Cooper), Kyle Ruthe (Haley Salazar), and Evan Ruthe (Melinda Egli), and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was held 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 at the Ebenezer Reformed Church, 2997 North German Church Road, Oregon, with the Rev. Josiah Youngquist pastor of the church officiating. Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday evening at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. 7th street, Oregon. Private burial took place Friday at the Chapel Hill Memory Gardens in Freeport.
Lloyd’s family would especially like to thank the Serenity Hospice and Home for their wonderful care and compassion, also thanks to Dr. Karen Gellada, and special nurse Casey Cain. A memorial fund is established for the Ebenezer Reformed Church and the Serenity Hospice and Home in Lloyd’s name. Visit www.farrellhollandgale.com to leave a condolence or memory of Lloyd.