Obituaries
Ruth Elizabeth Westervelt Schneider, 99, a life-long Peoria resident, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 18, 2023. Ruth was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and was devoted to her family and friends.
Ruth was born on March 25, 1924. Her parents, Myra Jarrett Westervelt and Oscar Palmer (O.P.) Westervelt preceded her in death. Ruth grew up in Peoria and attended Franklin School and Peoria High School. She graduated from the University of Arizona in 1946 where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Ruth was awarded the 75-year lifetime membership pin for Kappa Kappa Gamma.
Ruth married Clifford Schneider in 1954. He preceded her in death in 1995. Ruth and Cliff had two sons, Jonathan Schneider (Erin) of Fernandina Beach, Florida and Andrew Schneider (Allyson) of Peoria. Ruth had five grandchildren, Lauren (Josh) Wieland, Drew Schneider, and Charlie Schneider in Peoria and Lindsay and Michael (Dennine) Brady in Colorado. She was also blessed with six great grandchildren: Olivia, Naomi, Owen, Quinn, Chloe, and Tristan.
Ruth grew up in a family well-grounded in faith, community, and service, and she carried these traits throughout her life. She was a devoted Christian, a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Peoria, served as a trustee of the church, and was a member of the Church Circle. Ruth also served for many years in the Methodist Hospital Service League, including serving as the production chairman, bringing cheer to patients and co-workers. Within the community, Ruth served as President of the Current Events Club. She was also a member of the Junior League and served on many of the League’s projects through the years. She was a member of Chapter EF of the PEO Sisterhood, the Illinois Opera, Peoria Symphony, Lakeview Museum, and the Country Club of Peoria.
These activities, along with Ruth’s values and convictions, set an example of virtuous living within her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all benefited from her example, as well as her time. Whether it was providing exposure to the arts and humanities, teaching grandkids how to draw, doing needlepoint, or gardening or simply insisting on proper manners, Ruth’s family were all better people because she was a part of their lives. She left a legacy that will be fondly remembered.
Ruth and her family would like to thank her caregivers who were so devoted and helpful to her over the past several years.
Funeral Services will be at the First United Methodist Church, 116 NE Perry Ave. in Peoria at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 22, 2023, with a one hour prior visitation. Rev. Dr. Tim Ozment will officiate and burial will follow at Springdale Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be directed to the South Side Mission and the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum in Peoria.
Friends and family may view full obituary and sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com
Previous Events
Visitation
22
Sep
116 NE Perry Avenue
Peoria, IL 61603
Funeral Service
22
Sep
116 NE Perry Avenue
Peoria, IL 61603
Cemetery Details
Location
3014 N Prospect Rd
Peoria, IL 61603
