Mary Ruth Surber, age 101, of Monmouth, Illinois; passed away peacefully
at 12:01 pm on Sunday October 13, 2019 in the presence of family and
caring staff members at Monmouth Nursing Home in Monmouth, Illinois.
Mary Ruth was born on April 22, 1918 in Burlington, Iowa and is the
daughter of Perley and Willie Fritz Dixon. She was raised in Biggsville
where she attended local schools and graduated from the Biggsville High
School. She then graduated from Brown’s Business College in Galesburg,
Illinois. Mary Ruth married Ralph Surber on June 19, 1937 in Galesburg,
Illinois and he preceded her in his death on February 21, 1994. Mary
Ruth was a farm wife and homemaker with her husband and family on their farm in Henderson County. She attended the Biggsville United
Presbyterian Church in earlier years. Through the years, Mary Ruth used
her talents for oil painting and needlework to present her family and
community with special gifts and heirlooms. An avid reader and lover of
crossword puzzles, Mary also enjoyed listening to music and playing the
organ.
She is survived by her Granddaughter, Joy Byington and David of
Traverse City, Michigan and her Grandson, Gregory Surber and Vickie of
Woodway, Texas. There are three great grandsons and two great granddaughters as well as four great great grandchildren also surviving.
She is preceded in her death by her parents, husband, and her son and
daughter in law, Blair and Judy A. Joy Surber from Palmyra, VA
A graveside service for Mary Ruth is being planned on Monday October 21,
2019 at 10:30 am at the Biggsville Township Cemetery. No viewing or
visitation is currently planned by the family. A memorial fund is being
established for the Christian Appalachian Project as Mary requested. To
leave a remembrance or for more information please visit
www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com
