Ruth Eileen Cornwell

Ruth Eileen Cornwell, 94, of East Peoria passed away and went to her eternal home at 8:32pm, Sunday, August 17, 2014 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. Ruth was born February 24, 1920 in Peoria to Leonard and Grace Boyd Moldenhauer. She married Joseph Cornwell on August 5, 1939 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Bartonville; he preceded her in death in 1993. Surviving are two daughters, Joycelyn (Patrick) Quinn of East Peoria and Mesa, AZ and Bonnie (Donald) Theobald of East Peoria; grandchildren, Teri Jo, Michael Patrick, and Timothy Sean Quinn; Darin Eugene Theobald; and Jason Lee Cornwell; three great-grandchildren, Alyssa Jo Deissler, Tara Dawn Colvin and Aaron Michael Quinn; sister, Margaret Kirtley, and many nieces and nephews who all love her a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck. She was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Lee Cornwell; brother, Elmer Moldenhauer; sisters, Myrtis Patten, Doris Mosher, Florence Wilcox, and Lois Fredrickson; and her step-mother, Bessie Moldenhauer Daniels. Ruth and Joe first made their home in Creve Coeur and later moved to Peoria. After Joe’s death, Ruth moved to East Peoria. She was very involved in her community. She served as a Girl Scout Leader, belonged to the Forresters and Creve Coeur Fireman’s Auxillary, as well as a life member of American Legion Post 1234 in Creve Coeur and American Legion Post 983 in East Peoria, where she loved to spend her Saturday nights dancing. She worked at the Downtown Bergner’s for 23 ½ years, and later worked part-time at American Family Insurance, last working in April 2014. She was a 50 year member at Bethel Lutheran Church in Bartonville, served with Ladies’ Aid, and belonged to the Golden Years. Ruth loved to work in her yard, tending to her flower beds. An avid quilter, she made a quilt for each of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a few close friends. She enjoyed a great life, being able to drive and take care of her home till age 94. She had many friends, a big heart, and a hug for everyone, even a stranger. A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at 10:00am, Saturday, August 23, 2014 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Bartonville. Visitation will be from 5-7:00pm, Friday, August 22, 2014 at Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in East Peoria, and a half hour prior to the funeral at the church. Inurnment will be at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, whose wonderful staff made Ruth’s last days comfortable and worry-free.

Ruth Eileen Cornwell

February 24, 1920 - August 17, 2014