Ruta Ivey

Ruta Ivey, 78 of Zion, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 25, 2021 with family members at her side at the Advocate Aurora Hospital in Kenosha, Wisconsin.Ruta was born on October 14, 1943, in Saikava, Latvia. She and her mother immigrated to the United States to make a home in Crystal Lake, Illinois in October of 1951 eventually becoming naturalized citizens. She graduated from Zion Benton High School in 1962 and the same year married Paul her husband of forty-two years. They raised three lovely children, Kerry, Paulette, and Jeri. Together they enjoyed camping in their motor home in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Ruta discovered the Fireside Dinner Theater and soon became a season ticket holder, enjoying the many performances and delicious dinners always bringing a friend or grandson along. Playing cards and board games, bowling on a league, and chatting up the room while she beat everyone were some of her favorite pastimes. Prior to retirement, Ruta worked 14 years at Foulds Pasta Company in Libertyville, Illinois where she also served as a Union Steward. To pass the time after retirement, Ruta enjoyed embroidering table linens and pillow cases, knitting, crocheting and sewing, eventually establishing a craft business named Grandma’s Creations. Often you would find her and her “creations” at craft fairs throughout the area. She is survived by daughters Paulette Davidson (Dru) and Jeri Ahlemeyer (Paul); granddaughters Alanna Brown, Alyssa (Rick) Quakenbush, and Ava Ahlemeyer; grandsons Andrew Ivey and Payton Davidson; great grandson Laken Quackenbush; her long-time care provider and cousin Liga Minejevs; numerous nieces, nephews; and her devoted cats Peanut and Candy. Ruta is preceded in death by her husband Paul Ivey; son Kerry Ivey; mother Milija Vecitis; father Nikolaus Rudzons; brother Zigurdis Rudzons and granddaughter Ashley Ladewig. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. James P. Monahan and the nursing staff of the Advocate Aurora Medical In-Hospital Hospice program for their dedication, service, and compassion in providing for Ruta. Services will be held on Thursday; December 9, 2021, at Trinity United Lutheran Church officiated by Rev. Richard A. Grudt. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., followed by a service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at North Shore Garden of Memories in North Chicago, IL. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to Trinity United Lutheran Church in memory of Ruta.