Ruth June Patterson, of Sidell, Illinois, 96 years of age, peacefully left this life on the most blessed of days,
December 25 th , 2024. She resided at the Newman Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.
She was born on May 28, 1928, to Cecil and Margaret Taylor McGee. Ruth was preceded in death by her
parents, two brothers; Ted McGee and Jerry (Ginger) McGee; two sons-in-law; Michael McNeese,
Jack White, and two grandson's Cole Patterson and Cody Bundy
Ruth married Warren S (Pat) Patterson on July 17, 1949. Together they were blessed with 5 children:
Kay McNeese, Debbie (John Corbin) White, Cheri Patterson, Gayle Patterson, and Lori Patterson. Ruth
leaves behind her children and 33 Grand, Great-Grand, and Great-Great Grandchildren to cherish her
loving memory.
Ruth had a blessed life and passed on much knowledge and wisdom to her beloved family. She loved to
be outdoors and enjoyed gardening and tending to her fishponds well in to her early 90s. Often she
would be out there working in her cherished Red Robe, (of which none of us had the nerve to try to tell
her not to). Once while bird watching in the yard, she took up the offer to take a ride around Sidell with
her neighbor Bobby in his little MG Convertible and what did she have on, that red robe. She was a
spunky little thing. Ruth loved to watch the birds and spend time with her family. Ruth had a feisty
spirit, all the way to the end of her life. Her wisdom and memories will be cherished and carried on
through her family, along with the many life lessons she taught them over the years.
Ruth will be missed dearly, and always admired, remembered, and thought of often. She was ready to
go home and there is no doubt she was met with open arms by her husband and many family and
friends.
So much appreciation goes to the staff at the Newman Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, where Ruth
spent the last years of her life. Thank you does not seem like enough for the wonderful care they gave.
Special thank you to Barb and Janine, two of her wonderful nurses. She was treated like family and the
kindness and caring was so very appreciated. Thank you also to the Transitions Care Hospice service for
their attentive and wonderful care.
A memorial dinner will be held at a later date. Please feel free to share any memories that you have of
Ruth. The family would love to read and share them.
Donations could be made to Sidell and Carroll Township Fire and Rescue Departments.
Thank you,
Patterson Family