Ruth Irene Skelton

Ruth Irene Skelton, 94, El Dorado Springs, passed away on July 16, 2011, in Springfield at Christian Healthcare Nursing Home. She was born on July 6, 1917, to Robert and Ora Mae Wallis at Big Rock, IL.

Ruth grew up and attended school in Sandwich, IL. After graduating from high school, she worked in various places including Chicago, IL, where she worked as a clerk. While in Chicago, she met and later married Vernon Skelton Sr. who was training for service in the United States Army Air Corp. They married in West Palm Beach, FL, on Aug. 20, 1942. Vernon and Ruth celebrated 50 years of marriage before Vernon’s death in 1991. Five children were born to their union - Vernon Jr. - San Francisco, CA, Robert - Independence, Roger - El Dorado Springs, Linda Donnelson - Battlefield and David - Warrensburg. One granddaughter, Ester Pedrino, was raised by Ruth and Vernon from infancy.

They lived in the Fort Myers, FL, area for many years until moving to El Dorado Springs. In addition to raising her own children,
Ruth cared for several other children as a child care provider.

Ruth loved gardening, caring for animals, cooking, and being active in church. She was a kind-hearted person always willing to help others. Ruth and Vernon were faithful servants of the Lord and helped build up a church in North Fort Myers, FL.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Skelton; her parents; four brothers - Robert, Dewey, Merle and Ivan; and one grandson, Travis Skelton - Independence.

She is survived by one brother, Ralph - Sandwich, IL; her five children; eight grandchildren; two step-grandsons; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Services began at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, in Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. The family received friends prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. John Brooks officiated. Interment followed in Coal Hill Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Nathan Donnelson, Curtis Donnelson, Jace Donnelson, Tim Evert, Daniel Skelton and Matthew Skelton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Coal Hill Cemetery and left at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be left on our web site at: www.blandhackleman.com.