Ruth Elizabeth Chivers, 93 of Ottawa (formally Sandwich) passed away peacefully on January 29th, 2024. She was born July 14th 1930 to Neils and Eleanor Petersen. Ruth was raised in East Moline, Illinois where she graduated from East Moline High School and continued on to college at Northern Illinois University, studying art. She began her career at John Deere Company where she was an executive secretary to the president of John Deere.
She met the love of her life Glenn Chivers at a dance hall. The two along with close friends danced regularly and enjoyed such bands as the Johnny K Orchestra. They married in East Moline on November 18th 1951. Together they had two children, David (Simone) and Diane (Charles) Funk and raised them in Sandwich, Illinois. Ruth had five grandchildren, Heather, Andrew, Jordan, Lauren, and Dillon and five great-grandchildren. She was also excited about another great grandchild that is on the way. Ruth adored her grandchildren. She and Glenn loved seeing the grandkids in sports, activities, and celebrating their special events. Her best times were spent with her family who were with her at the time of her passing.
Ruth was very active in church activities at The United Church of Sandwich where she sang in the choir, attended women’s group, taught Sunday school, and served on many committees, having been the church’s secretary. When she and Glenn moved to Ottawa, they attended Epworth United Methodist Church. She was pleased to be a woman of faith and raised her children and grandchildren to be children of God. We know Heaven’s gate was easily open for Ruth as she welcomed God as her Savior.
Ruth was a proud member of the Democratic party and longed for Hillary Clinton to be elected as president. She had the pleasure of meeting Barack Obama and welcomed him as the President of the United States. She also enjoyed Michelle Obama as the First Lady.
Ruth loved art and was an artist for the Sandwich newspaper. She and Glenn, along with their son-in-law Charles owned and operated Funk Studio Graphics and Wide Water Gallery. She especially enjoyed landscapes, wildlife, and religious art.
Ruth and Glenn enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Spain, Africa, and the Holy Lands. They also went on cruises along with some of their friends. Ruth was a part of the Nifty 50s group who she played cards with, traveled, and partied with. Her other hobbies included sewing, playing the piano, and playing on two different bridge teams.
She was preceded in death by her mother Eleanor and her father Neils Petersen, daughter-in-law Cheryl Chivers and grandson Andrew Chivers.
Private services will be held on Thursday, February 1st at Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Memorials may be directed to Epworth United Methodist Church in Ottawa or United Church of Sandwich.
Ruth was laid to rest in the Sanctuary of Prayer at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, IL
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