Ruth I. Gross

Ruth I. Gross, 94, of Germantown Hills, IL, passed away of natural causes at 3:05 pm on Thursday, March 11, 2021, at OSF Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.  She was born on June 9, 1926 in Metamora, IL, to Silas and Mattie (Reeser) Bachman.  She married Justus I. Gross on June 21, 1945 in Metamora, IL.  He passed away on June 27, 1954.

Surviving are her daughter, Karen (Thomas) Durst of Germantown Hills; two grandchildren, Melissa Durst of Chicago, IL and Bradley (Jacqueline) Durst of Columbus, OH; two great-grandsons, Jackson and Camden Durst; siblings, Minerva Reeb of Metamora, Russell (Ferne) Bachman of Washington, and Orpha Schertz of Metamora; one step-brother, John Bachman, Jr. of Lowpoint; one step-sister-in-law, Doris Bachman of Princeton; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, three step-brothers (Richard, Allan, and Paul), and one step-sister (Eileen).

Beginning in 1954, Ruth worked at Metamora High School cafeteria, Garber’s Super Market, and the Illinois Prairie District Public Library in Metamora. The latter led her to the Metamora Telephone Company (MTCO), where she worked as Office Coordinator. While at MTCO, she also served for many years as Treasurer of Metamora High School and Grade School, Germantown Hills Grade School, and Riverview Grade School. After 27 years at MTCO, she retired in 1993. She then worked part-time at The Hayloft Shops in Mossville.

Ruth was a member of Metamora Christian Union Church and active in the choir. She loved her church family. In her free time, she enjoyed playing cards and bingo, shopping with her daughter and granddaughter, and working outside in her yard. She loved watching sports; the Cubs, Purdue Boilermakers, and Ohio State Buckeyes were her favorite teams to cheer on. Family was her number one priority, as she loved visiting and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be remembered for cooking Christmas breakfast and for baking delicious pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and sugar cookies.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Nurses Caring for People for their very compassionate, loving, and dedicated care in recent weeks.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Metamora Christian Union Church with Reverend Gary Salm officiating.  Due to COVID-19, CDC guidelines will be followed.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until service time on Tuesday at the church.  Burial will be in Hickory Point Cemetery, Metamora.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Metamora Food Pantry, 122 West Mt. Vernon Street, Metamora, IL 61548, Christian Union Church, 925 West Walnut Street, Metamora, IL 61548, or charity of the donor’s choice.  Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Ruth was cherished by her daughter and the many wonderful memories they shared together as well as the love for and time spent with her grandchildren. May she rest in God's peace and be reunited with the love of her life, her husband Justus.

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