Ruth Hull Chatlien

Ruth Hull Chatlien, 67, passed away on July 28, 2026 and now walks in the light with Jesus. She was born in Kankakee, IL on September 18, 1958, to Myrtle and Leo Hull.

She was predeceased by her four brothers Carl, Keith, David, and Bob.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Michael Chatlien. On Ruth’s side of the family she is survived by her cousin Christine Hogland Kostoglanis and Christine’s children Natalie Kostoglanis Shumate and Lauren Kostoglanis; her nephew Andrew Hull, his wife Patricia Ann Hull and their son Darwin; her nephew Aaron Hull Antonitus and his wife Iustina Bryennissa; and her niece Ruth Lewis.

On her husband’s side, she is survived by her sister-in-laws Therese Chatelaine and Rita Chatelaine; her nephew-in-law Tony Ragucci; her nieces-in-laws Lisé Nauman, Ellen Koskinas, and Laura Wollman, and her grandnieces-in-law and grandnephews-in-law Catherine Ragucci, Sophie Ragucci, Julie Nauman, Andrew Nauman, Emily Nauman, Anna Nauman, Nikki Koskinas, Teddy Koskinas, Marie Koskinas, JoJo Koskinas, Aiden Wollman, and Adler Wollman.

After attending high school in Kankakee, Ruth went to Wheaton College, where she graduated in 1980 with a BA in literature. From 1989 to 2005, she worked as an assistant editor, associate editor, and then senior editor at McDougal Littell. In 2006, she became a freelance writer and editor focusing on social studies textbooks. Twelve years later, Ruth became an employee at Kepos Media where she worked as the Director of Digital Education on a variety of educational projects.

Ruth wrote four short stories and two poems that were published in literary magazines. Also, she authored three award-winning novels, The Ambitious Madame Bonaparte, Blood Moon, and Katie Bar the Door, published by Amika Press. Her most recent novel Weapons of Love will be published posthumously in 2027. In addition, she gardened, painted and knitted as hobbies.

Ruth and her husband Michael shared many interests, including reading novels, watching movies (especially classic films), taking long walks in nature, talks about personal healing and spiritual and psychological growth, going to French restaurants, and traveling. The couple travelled to France, Canada, and many parts of the United States.

Ruth had boundless creativity as can be seen with her writing and hobbies. She was also a person who valued friendship and stating what she saw as the truth even when unpopular. But she always did so in a considerate manner.

A visitation will be held on on August 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 6:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL.