N. Meade

N. Ruth Meade, 86, of Rockford went to be with the Lord Monday, January 11, 2016, after a long illness. Born December 20, 1929, in Columbus, IN., the daughter of Claude and Cecil (Dyke) Good. Married Robert L. Meade on September 12, 1948, in Columbus, IN. Retired with her husband in 1987. Member of Central Christian Church. Ruth served in the nursery ministry for many years. She loved working with the babies! She enjoyed taking walks, being outside, planting and tending her flowers, and watching the cardinals in her yard. Most of all, Ruth loved spending time with her family; especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include children, Bruce (Janie) Meade of Rockford, Claudia (Bill) Schuler of Bagley, WI., Brian (Lisa) Meade of Rockford, Brent (Kathleen) Meade of Machesney Park; grandchildren, Todd and Tim Wood, Stacey (Kevin) Amos, Melanie (Scot) Hall, Nicolas and Channing Meade, Emily Meade; great-grandchildren, Destine Wood, Briana, Haley, Jaxson, Lucy and Natalie Amos, Bailey and Megan Hall; very special in-laws, Clara and Richard Arrowsmith and Glenna Good; and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents; her husband, Robert; great-grandsons, Brian and Nathaniel Wood; brothers, Newton and Russell Good; and sister, Helen (Jim) Kelly. The family wishes to thank the staff of OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Serenity Hospice, and Rosewood Care Center for the excellent and compassionate care. They also wish to acknowledge and give special thanks to Lucy Owens (Comfort Keepers), who has been a loving and faithful friend to Ruth.

Service at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 16, at Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with visitation from 9 a.m. to service time. The Rev. Sherm Nichols will officiate. Burial in Arlington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington D.C. 20090-6011 or to Autism Speaks, 1060 State Road, 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540.