Ruth Ellen (Mullineaux) Schmillen

The Funeral Service for Ruth has been rescheduled due to weather conditions.

Visitation: Sunday February 6, 2022 beginning @ 10:00 AM @ Mason-White Funeral Home

Funeral: Sunday February 6, 2022 beginning @ 11:00 AM @ Mason White Funeral Home

Ruth Ellen Schmillen, 68, of East Peoria, IL, passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022, in Peoria.Ruth was born on April 10, 1953, in Independence, MO, a daughter of Jack and Irene (Booth) Mullineaux.

She is survived by her mother, Irene of Washington; children, Peter (Amy) Schmillen of Jacksonville, FL and Rebecca Schmillen of East Peoria; and siblings, Kathy Mullineaux of Creve Coeur and Jackie (Randy) Lambert of Fruitland Park, FL. She was preceded in death by her father.

Due to her compassion for others, Ruth knew at a very early age that she wanted to be a nurse. She started her nursing career at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, where she worked in the emergency room for 39 years. She also worked nine years at UnityPoint Methodist Hospital in the "First Call Program".

She enjoyed reading, spending time with her family, and caring for her beloved dogs. She also enjoyed traveling.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 am on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington. Visitation will be held one-hour prior to her service, also at the funeral home. Burial will be in Hillcrest Memory Gardens in rural Morton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ruth's memory to TAPS or the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Ruth's Memorial Website may be accessed at www.masonfuneralhomes.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence for her family.