Ruth Ellen (Glick) Grimes went home to be with her Savior on August 24, 2021. She was a resident of Helia Healthcare in Olney, Illinois and was cared for by Carle Hospice of Olney, Illinois at the time of her death. Ruth Ellen Glick was born in Zanesville, Ohio on January 23, 1932, one of four daughters born to Carl Jacob Glick and Ruth (Riley) Glick. Both parents are deceased. Ruth’s oldest sister, Betty Jane Grimes, formerly of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, passed away in July 2021. Margaret (Peggy) Roberts passed away in 2008. Margaret lived in Zanesville, Ohio most of her life. Ruth’s youngest sister, Virginia Louise Harding, resides in Zanesville, Ohio. Ruth was raised on the family farm near Hopewell, Ohio.
Ruth married Don Hilbern Grimes on June 10, 1948, in Berea, Kentucky. Don, an ordained minister of the Free Methodist Church, was sent to churches in Ohio, Indiana, and finally in Illinois. Ruth was a pastor’s wife and supported the ministry by teaching Sunday School, playing the piano, leading singing, and many other responsibilities of care for the church. Don Grimes passed away on May 6, 2019, just one month before their 70th Wedding Anniversary.
Ruth Grimes had six children. David Paul Grimes and his wife, Martha Jean (Jones), live in Conway, South Carolina. Don Carl (Donnie) Grimes and his wife, Becky (Williams), live near Albion, Illinois. Linda Suzanne and her husband, Joe Collins, live in Albion, Illinois. Kathie Louise Ewing resides in Denison, Texas. Denise Ruth and her husband, Harold Taylor, live in Magnolia, Texas. Angela Faith Grimes makes her home in Lawrenceville, Illinois.
Ruth was blessed with twelve grandchildren: Jacqueline Grimes of Conway, South Carolina; Jenny Grimes McGillivary of Albion; Brian (Missy) Grimes of Albion; Andrew (Tanya) Grimes of Albion; Mandie (Jacob) Weber of Olney, Illinois; Cris (Greg) Edwards of Olney, Illinois; Erin (Bobby) Lester of Denison, Texas; Dr. Lora Spiller of San Antonio, Texas; Kate (Adam) Raber of Albion, Illinois; Arias Alex of Lawrenceville, Illinois; Nicholas (Ashley) Carie of Allendale, Illinois; and Riley (Devin) Raber of San Antonio, Texas. One grandchild preceded her in death, David Allen Grimes. Ruth also had 27 great grandchildren. Ruth is also remembered lovingly by many nieces and nephews.
The family moved to Albion, Illinois in August 1962 to serve the Albion Free Methodist Church. Don and Ruth also served Island Free Methodist Church north of Sumner, Illinois; the Free Methodist Church in Cowling, Illinois; and their last church, the Free Methodist Church in West Salem, Illinois.
Ruth began her college education in 1963 after her sixth child was born. Ruth received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Oakland City College in 1966. Ruth began teaching in 1966 at Albion Grade School. While working, she continued her education at Southern Illinois University to obtain her certification in Special Education. In 1977, Ruth completed her Master of Arts in Early Childhood Development at Eastern Illinois University. She later completed her certification in Reading Instruction at Eastern Illinois University and completed most of the coursework at Eastern Illinois University for a Master’s Degree in Education Administration. Ruth taught the First Grade, Special Education, Reading, and the Sixth Grade. After a 35-year career, Ruth retired from teaching. She served as a substitute teacher for many years after retirement. Ruth loved children and the education of children. Three of her own children followed in her footsteps as teachers.
Ruth was an accomplished seamstress and loved to sew for her growing family. She pieced together many quilt tops and most recently made face masks for the pandemic. Ruth loved to make apple pies and apple butter and made cookies at Christmas to share. Ruth was always hard working and resourceful. She loved her family and enjoyed researching family history.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Albion Free Methodist Church, 127 South 7th Street, Albion, Illinois 62806.
Visitation: Saturday August 28, 2021, 9 am to 11 am Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home, Albion, IL
Funeral Service: Saturday August 28, 2021, 11 am.
Interment: Graceland Cemetery, Albion, IL
Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home, Albion, IL