Ruth Gordon

Today we consider it pure joy. James 1:2. We celebrate the passing of Ruth O. Gordon from this life into eternity. Ruth passed away Monday, February 14, 2011 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at the McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. to the time of service Saturday. Private burial will be in the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Harry Hugh Gordon Jr..

Ruth was born October 8, 1918 in Avawam, Kentucky the daughter of Henry E. and Gertrude E. (Elkins) Oney, She was united in marriage to Harry Hugh Gordon Sr. on March 26, 1943 in Combs, Kentucky. He preceded her in death January 2, 1988.

Ruth worked as an accounting technician at the Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Illinois retiring after thirty years. In her younger years she was a teacher in a one room school house teaching all grades.

While her husband Harry was stationed all over the world as a member of the United States Army, Ruth traveled with him for many years. Between 1958 and 1960 Ruth and her husband Harry traveled to Germany where they adopted two young children, Harry Jr. and Gail.

Ruth was a thirty year member of the TTT Association. She was a great fan of Robert Schuller and an avid reader who passed her love for books to her family. She especially loved Guidepost magazines. She also enjoyed cooking and sewing.

Her greatest passions in life were her family and her faith in God. She was a devoted wife, mother and “grandma” to many more than her family. She had a huge heart and touched the lives of anyone who crossed her path. Ruth was the glue that held her family together and brought them to Jesus.

Those left to honor her memory include her daughter, Gail (Shane) Gordon-Smith, Bettendorf, Iowa; her son, Harry Hugh Gordon Jr., Bettendorf, Iowa; her grandchildren, Brandon (Megan) Gordon, Melissa (John) Carr III, Jake (Jessica) Gordon, Amanda (Brion Perkins) Gordon, and Starla Wagner; her great-grandchildren, Hayley Gordon, Felicity Gordon, Chloe Gordon, Aubrey Carr, John Carr IV, Alivia Carr, Derek O’Malley, Jayde O’Malley, Justin Gordon, Michael Gordon, Brion Perkins, Kamaria Perkins, Khristopher Perkins and Anthony Perkins; her sister-in-law, Ella Oney; her nephews John and James Oney and several other nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Blair Oney, Emerson Oney, Robert Oney, her sister, Helen Cross and her daughter-in-law Nora Gordon.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Mike Gimbel Sr. and Dr. Jim Licandro, who took great care of Ruth for many years.