Carol Ann (James) Ruth

Carol Ann Ruth, age 81, of North Aurora, formerly of Morton Grove, passed away Friday, March 5, 2021 at Delnor Hospital in Geneva.

She was born August 10, 1939, in Chicago, the daughter of Henry and Lillian (Polanek) James.

Growing up in Chicago, Carol loved ice skating in Brandt park across the street from her house. Going to Riverview, where she enjoyed the roller rink, was also a favorite pastime. Carol appreciated music and spent time at the record store to hear the new releases in the listening booths. Carol’s family enjoyed playing Canasta which became a tradition for many years.

Carol met Norm at Stewart Warner and their first date was a blind date of sorts.  They enjoyed dancing to big band music and Frank Sinatra. Carol was dedicated to her family and four children. She always worked meticulously to pack everything for the yearly cross-country camping trips. During her spare time, Carol was on a bowling league in Morton Grove at Classic Bowl. She was a loyal Cubs fan, and enjoyed reading, watching mysteries and crafting. Carol loved to crochet and quilt and shared her beautiful blankets with family, friends, and those in need.

Carol loved her grandchildren and was an integral part of their lives. She enjoyed baking and always made her special cakes and cupcakes for parties and holidays. 

Carol built a relationship with everyone she met. Years ago, she cared for the children of a family in Glenview and formed a genuine bond. She also had a special friend named Heidi at DuPage Care Center that she read to regularly. She loved being a part of “Seniors Helping Seniors.”

Carol’s highlight of the year was hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas. The extended family loved playing Charades and other games on Christmas Day. Carol was always the center and focal point of our Ruth holiday events.

Carol was an animal lover and her most recent dog, Faith, was a rescue who never left her side. Carol and Norm enjoyed watching the ducks and the birds at the multiple feeders in their beautiful backyard.

Throughout the years, Carol fought many cancers. Most importantly she wanted to continue to be there for those that she loved.  She was a special friend to all. Carol Ann Ruth will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years Norm; children Debbie Deutscher of California, Susan Ruth (Ben Rodriquez) of Glen Ellyn, Jeff Ruth of Aurora, and Steve Ruth of Georgia; grandchildren Adam Deutscher (Monica) of California and Chris Deutscher of Nevada, Paige and Morgan Rodriquez both of Glen Ellyn, and Joshua Ruth of Georgia; great grandson Kayden Deutscher; sister Diane Roberto of Florida; nieces Lori (Mike) Giacchetti of Florida and Carrie Wright of Michigan; Gene Ruth (Bonnie) of Wilmette, Brother-in-Law and many other dear relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Arnie.

Visitation for Carol will be held Saturday, March 13, 2021 from 1:00 pm until the time of her memorial service at 4:00 pm at the Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva.

Due to the current health care restrictions, we are limited to 50 guests at a time, standards of occupancy will be upheld. To attend, please be prepared to wear a mask and/or wait if occupancy standards need to be met. We kindly ask that you immediately exit the funeral home after paying your respects to the family so that others may have the same opportunity.

For more information 630-232-8233 or malonefh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol Ann (James) Ruth, please visit our floral store.