- Visitation
Monday, December 16, 2024
10:00 to 11:00 am
Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL
- Service
Monday, December 16, 2024
11:00 am
Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL
- Full Obituary
Ruth Ellen (Wright) Laurie of Lebanon, Illinois, died on December 10, 2024, in Trenton, Illinois. She was 100 years old. Ruth was born November 5, 1924, in Brookport, Illinois. Her parents were Abraham Wright and N.J. Mae (Keel) Wright. Ruth was one of five children. She had 3 brothers and one sister. She lived most of her life in Illinois.
On February 20, 1943, Ruth E. Wright married William Martin Laurie in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he was serving in the US Army Air Corp. Their marriage lasted 68 years until Martin’s death in 2012. They were both very active in the Southern Baptist Church at both the local and state level.
The needs of children were always very important to Ruth. After raising her three boys, she went back to college. She finished her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from McKendree College in May of 1973. She then taught until Martin retired, and they pursued other endeavors together.
After retirement Martin and Ruth traveled as missionaries. During their 2 years in the Philippines, they helped Southeast Asian refugees learn English and other skills that would help them transition more easily into the United States. They then served 2 years in American Samoa. Following these assignments, they spent many years working in the United States on other mission projects for their church.
Ruth is survived by her daughter-in-law Rebecca, son Michael David and his wife Betty, and daughter-in-law Constance. Ruth’s surviving grandchildren are Christopher (Heather) Laurie, Nicholas Laurie, Michele Laurie, Peggy Laurie, Neva (Christopher) Laurie-Berry, and Alexander (Elizabeth) Laurie. She had 8 special great-grandchildren and one precious great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, her siblings, her sons Harold Robert and Lynn Earl, and grandson Michael David, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to West Gate Baptist Church, Trenton, Illinois (Westgatebc.com) or Family Hospice (Familyhospice.org).
Visitation: Monday, December 16, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL
Funeral Service: Monday, December 16, 2024, 11:00 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL
Clergy: Rev. Paul Hooks, Pastor
Interment: College Hill Cemetery
Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL
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