Ruth E. Stinson

Ruth E. Stinson, 84, of Edwards, IL, passed away Saturday, January 9, 2021, at her residence.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 15, 2021, at Grace Baptist Church in Peoria. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Entombment will immediately follow the service at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. The funeral service will be limited to 25 people per Governor Pritzker's regulations. Masks and social distancing will be required.

Ruth was born on June 26, 1936, in Brownsville, TN, a daughter of Fred and Idella (Bonds) Gilbert Sr. She married Eddie Stinson on April 19, 1955, in Brownsville. He preceded her in death on December 10, 2019, in Peoria. Her parents and two sisters, Idella Phillips and Ethel Lynn Massay, also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children, Marcus (Camie) Stinson of Abingdon, MD, Victor, Cecelia, and Alisa Stinson, all of Peoria and Cynthia Stinson of Edwards; grandchildren, Shawn Stinson, Sharria Foster- Stinson, Sherrell Stinson, Brittany Stinson, and Marcus Stinson, Jr.; siblings, Jack and Fred Gilbert, both of Chicago; ten great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Ruth had the gift of culinary mastery as she catered and served many meals for the kids at the Carver Center and the surrounding community. She also spent time as a cook for Thomas Jefferson School and at the American Legion. Ruth loved spending time with her family and cooking for them. She never said no to a shopping trip, which led to her vast collection of clothes, shoes, hats, and jewelry. Nothing brought more enjoyment to her, though, as babies. Her family described her as a no-nonsense woman with a very loving and giving heart. They are proud of her for being such a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.

Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements. Ruth's memorial website and online condolences may be viewed at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.