Ruby Jeanette Gebhart Obituary (1925 - 2011)

Ruby Jeanette Gebhart, 86, of Taylorville, formerly of Stonington, died at 10:30 pm Friday, September 9, 2011 at Meadow Manor Nursing Home, Taylorville. She was born March 7, 1925 in Stonington, the daughter of Otto F. and Frieda Furstenberg Young. On June 15, 1947 she married Arthur W. Gebhart in Stonington and he preceded her in death on January 24, 1978. During World War II she worked at the McDonald Aircraft Company in Decatur and then taught in the one room Old Stonington School until she married and raised her family while helping as a farmwife. Ruby was a member of the Stonington United Methodist Church where she was active at the local and district levels and a member of the choir for many years. She was a graduate of Blackburn College receiving her Associates Degree and served on the board of the Blackburn Alumni Association. She also served on the boards of Illinois State Farm Bureau Women's Committee, Christian County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Christian County Home and Community Education Association. Ruby was a member of Christian County Lady Landowners, Christian County Farm Bureau and the Bridges Mentoring Program. She served as a 4-H leader of many years. Ruby gave her time and leadership generously to numerous organizations and those in need. She made hospital gowns for premature babies, knitted mittens and blankets for those who need them, and made turbans for cancer patients. She spent countless hours quilting for herself and others. Her children and grandchildren were among her greatest treasures. Surviving are her children: Pennie (John) Crinion Downers Grove, IL, Paul Gebhart of Edinburg, and Rebecca (Bob) Steiner of Taylorville. 5 Grandchildren: Cody (Shawna) Gebhart of Marion, Molly (Sam) Williams of Benton, Maggie Gebhart or Taylorville, Monica Crinion and Maureen Crinion of Downers Grove. Two Great Grandsons, Cohen and Beckett Gebhart of Marion also survive She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, granddaughter, Angeline Crinion, Brother, Maurice Young, and two sisters, Velira Moore and Pauline Young. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, September 13, at the Stonington United Methodist Church with Rev. Ray Radae officiating. Burial be in Old Stonington Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Monday at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville. Memorials may be made to the Stonington United Methodist Church, 304 N. Elm Stonington, IL 62567.