Ruth Kelley

T. Ruth Kelley, 93 of Sun City, Huntley, IL, died Sunday, July 5th at home with family. Born Thelma Ruth Wade in 1927 on May 17th, to J.C. Wade and Bell (Sliger) Wade in Decatur Tennessee. Ruth joins her husband, James Riley Kelley, who preceded her in death. They will be laid to rest together at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.
 

Raised in Athens, Tennessee, Ruth worked in and around Athens until starting work at the Oak Ridge Laboratory facility during WWII. Following the war, while attending a basketball game with friends at Tennessee Wesleyan University, she was introduced to a player, decorated veteran and her future husband James. They married and moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan where Ruth worked, and James went to school and graduated from the U of Michigan. Leaving Michigan behind they moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee bought a home and raised their three boys, James, Russell and Lance. Their next move was to Columbus, Ohio for four years after accepting a job requiring a move to Chicago, first to St Charles, then Palatine for many years and finally to Sun City in Huntley. Ruth has been an active resident for the last 20 years, enjoying tennis, golf, continuing a 60-year passion of bridge, entertaining and building many dear friendships. Ruth was a member of Willow Creek church of Huntley, Ruth felt confident of seeing her Lord of being reunited with her husband of 58 years and of spending the remaining time getting to know the rest of the Universe.
 

Ruth is survived by her sister Juanita Kennedy, Ruth’s three sons and wives, James (Cathy), Russ (Debby), and Lance (Joan) Kelley, seven grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. Ruth has been loved and cherished and will be sorely missed by family and many dear friends. To all her dear friends and to her sister Juanita, thank you for all the love and time you have shared with our mom!

Her loving children, Jim, Russ and Lance

online condolences may be expressed to her family by clicking on Tribute Wall.

arrangements were under the Care of Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care in Algonquin.

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