Ruth Annette Hartley

Ruth Annette Kerr Hartley, 93, of Moline, IL, died Thursday, March 24, 2011, at St. Anthony's Continuing Care Center in Rock Island, IL. Visitation will be Friday, April 8th, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at Wendt Funeral Home in Moline. Services will be Saturday, April 9th, at 10:30 a.m., Wendt Funeral Home, with a graveside service to be held at 1:30 p.m., at the Elmira Cemetery near Toulon, IL. Memorials may be made to Daughters of the American Revolution/Mary Little Deere-Fort Armstrong Chapter, or Elmira Presbyterian Church. Ruth was born in Kewanee, IL, on November 9, 1917, to Ephriam M. and Katherine (Wilson) Kerr. She was a graduate of Wethersfield High School in Kewanee. On October 7, 1937, in Toulon, IL, she married Robert Camp Hartley, who preceded her in death September 4, 2007. She was a 50-year member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and belonged to the Mary Little Deere-Fort Armstrong Chapter, serving as president of the Chapter twice. The DAR credits Ruth with doing the genealogical work for over 500 new DAR members, making their entrance into the Society possible. As a homemaker who was active in the community as a member and volunteer, Ruth was also a member of Daughters of Sarah and Eastern Star. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking, and especially loved her family. She ran her own drapery business for many years. As a result of Ruth's work, to this day throughout the region, handmade draperies hang in banks, businesses, and fine homes, including the window dressings in a restored antique hearse owned by Wendt Funeral Home. Delighting recipients with her knitting, crocheting, tatting, and needlepoint, she produced numerous afghans and quilts. Ruth was an ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., serving churches in Pontiac, IL and Moline. Taking great pride in her Scottish heritage, she shared that interest with many family members and friends. Survivors include: a daughter: Judith Hartley of Albany, NY; a son: Robert (Marsha) Hartley of Moline; grandchildren: Justin and Eliot Cresswell and Bret, Ben, Brady, and Elizabeth Hartley; and great-grandchildren: Sam, Lillian, Julia, and Lily. In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Kerr Anderson.

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