Ruth Elizabeth Moak Obituary (1926

Ruth Elizabeth Moak, 96, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, in her room at Amber Glen Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Urbana, IL. Ruth was born on July 13, 1926, in Christopher, IL, to Frank and Carrie (Yates) McKemie. She was one of three daughters born to Frank and Carrie, and is preceded in death by her two sisters, Mariam McKemie Corn, June 8, 2010, and Emma Lou McKemie Beckwith, September 24, 2021. Ruth grew up and attended elementary and high school in Benton, IL, graduating from Benton High School in 1944. She then attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education August 8, 1947. She married James Moak in the early 1950s; they were divorced in 1972. Ruth attended the University of Illinois, where she received a Master of Education degree on June 20, 1954. Subsequently, she obtained an All-Grade Supervisory Certificate from the State of Illinois on September 3, 1954. She dedicated her thirty plus year teaching career to elementary students in the village of Mansfield, IL where she was a long-time resident with her family, and in Farmer City, IL, these elementary schools now within the Blue Ridge School District. While living in Mansfield, Ruth adopted two sons, Matthew (Shelley) Moak (1962) of St. Louis, MO and Stephen (Jill) Moak (1964) of Farmer City, IL. They survive her. Ruth has four grandchildren, Jordan Propst (31) of Farmer City, IL, Maddison Moak (24) of Minneola, FL, Sophia Moak (24) of Cincinnati, OH and Isabella Moak (21) of Atlanta, GA. She also has four great grandchildren, Charlotte (6), Reese (4), Nora (4) and Riley (newborn). In the 1990s, Ruth began a long-term relationship with Walter Fischer of Champaign, IL, who predeceases her. Together, they enjoyed continual learning opportunities, including the public speaking activity Toastmasters. They also made numerous excursions together in their later years, traveling by RV all across the United States and Mexico to their great enjoyment. Ruth was loved by her family and friends. She will be missed by all. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home in Mansfield, IL. Her funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Dave Ashby officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Mansfield Library and will be accepted at the Funeral Home.