Ruth Ann Thomason, 74, of Galesburg, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at her home.
She was born December 28, 1947 in Greenbush, Illinois, the daughter of Charles and Ruth B. (Reed) White. Ruthie was reared and educated in Illinois. She received her GED and later attended Spoon River College in Macomb where she earned her CNA certification. Ruthie moved to California for a few years and after she turned 18, she moved back to Illinois. She married Ronald Hopping, Sr. on June 6, 1965 and together they had four children. They owned and operated ‘Junction Café’ for about 8 years until they closed. Later they owned and operated another restaurant, ‘Hopping’s Café’ in Avon, Illinois for 8 years until they closed as well. After 30 years of marriage, they divorced. He preceded her in death on December 26, 2006. Throughout her career as a CNA, Ruth worked at Carthage Hospital, Elm’s Nursing Home in Macomb, and a few other facilities in Illinois. She retired in 2021 from being a home health aid in Pekin, Illinois. Ruth later married A.J. Thomason on December 22, 1996 in La Harpe, Illinois. He preceded her death on March 16, 2006.
Left to cherish Ruthie’s memory are her two sons, Ronald (Velma) Hopping, Jr. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Russell (Linda Houtz) Hopping of Oakville, Iowa; a daughter, Chris (Chuck) Angelo of Galesburg; her beloved five grandchildren: Michael Angelo, Russell Hopping, Jr., Ashley Hopping, Mackenzie Berry, and Colin Angelo; and eight great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers: Randy White and Terry White both of Quincy, Illinois, and Tim Musik; and one sister, Cathy Snyder of Quincy. She was preceded in death by her parents; her late husband, A.J.; her former husband and father of her children, Ron; a daughter, Rhonda Hopping; three brothers: Danny White, Larry White, and Jerry Smith; and a sister, Bonnie Snyder.
Ruthie had a big heart, was kind to everyone, and will be remembered for her altruistic nature. She enjoyed reading, swimming, and spoiling her family. Ruthie loved to spend quality time with her family, especially during her favorite holiday, Christmas. She also enjoyed visiting with her neighbors at the Mary Allen West Towers. Ruth was a member of First Christian Church in Galesburg.
Cremation will be accorded. Per her wishes, a celebration of life will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at the Mary Allen West Towers. Her final resting place will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Galesburg. Memorials may be made to Mary Allen West Towers. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
