Ruth Elaine Hedstrom

EAST PEORIA – Ruth Elaine Hedstrom, 85, of East Peoria, died at 7:31 am Thursday, March 24, 2011 at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, IL. She was born on October 30, 1925 in Honolulu, HI to Otto Charles and Bernice Ida Park Petersen. She married Richard Marvin Hedstrom on August 3, 1946 and he preceded her in death on September 11, 1971. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her son, David Michael Hedstrom in 1952. Surviving are 3 sons; Stephen Craig Hedstrom of Memphis, TN, Michael Brian (Tamara) Hedstrom of East Peoria, IL, and Robert Scott (Julie) Hedstrom of Naperville, IL, and 3 beloved granddaughters, Ashley, Alexis, and Abigail. She began playing the piano at 4 years old and the violin at age 12. Mrs. Hedstrom graduated from the University of Omaha in 1947 with a B.A. in Music Education, and Illinois Central College in 1977 with an A.A. in Graphic Design. She received several scholarships including the W.H. Schmoeller Music Scholarship, University of Omaha 1943-1944, the Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship 1975-1976, the University of Omaha Scholarship, 1943-1944, and was a member of the National Honor Society. She was a certified teacher in the State of Illinois where she instructed Violin from 1951-2000, including many years of private lessons. She served as the Orchestra Director and String Teacher at the Academy of Our Lady, Peoria, IL from 1967-1970 and Roanoke-Benson Unit #60, Roanoke, IL from 1971-1972. She was a Violinist in various symphonies from 1945-2003, including the Nebraska Women’s Symphony, Omaha, NE 1945, South Idaho Symphony, Pocatello, ID 1947-1948, Rapid City Symphony, Rapid City, ND 1948-1951, Gary Symphony, Gary, IN 1957, Knox-Galesburg Symphony, Galesburg, IL, 1974-1978, Peoria Civic Opera Orchestra, Peoria, IL, 1975-2003, Peoria Chamber Orchestra, Peoria, IL 1984-1985, Peoria Symphony Orchestra, Peoria, IL 1951-2003 as well as playing performances with the St. Martin’s Chamber Orchestra, Bradley Community Orchestra, Intrada, First United Methodist Church of East Peoria and many other local churches, weddings, and events throughout the Peoria area. She was employed as a Graphic Designer in the publications department of Caterpillar Tractor Company in Mossville, IL from 1977-1983, We Care, Inc., Morton, IL 1984-1985, and also the AARP Food and Nutrition Education Office, University of Illinois, Peoria, IL, from 1986-1994. Mrs. Hedstrom enjoyed Music, Art, Photography, Sewing and Gardening. She was responsible for designing and producing the Nativity sets for the first Festival of Lights in East Peoria in 1985. She was an active member of the Peoria Camera Club, Illinois Art League, Morton Art Guild, American String Teachers Association, Peoria Federation of Musicians (Local #26) and the First United Methodist Church of East Peoria. She received numerous awards throughout the years for her art and photography. She always wanted her music and art to be happy and bring joy to people. She spent a lifetime in classical music, semi-classical music, operas, watercolor, pastels, acrylics and photography. A funeral service will be at 11:00 am Monday, March 28, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church of East Peoria. Pastor Mary Arnold will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Sunday, March 27, 2011 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria. Burial will be private at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria.

Ruth Elaine Hedstrom

October 30, 1925 - March 24, 2011