Ruth N. Rolf

Ruth N. Rolf of DeKalb, IL, died on peacefully at the DeKalb County Nursing and Rehab Center in the care of Kishwaukee Hospice on May 3, 2016 at the age of 99. Ruth was born on April 17, 1917 in Moline, IL, the daughter of Otto and Clara (Mack) Reller.
She graduated from Moline High School in 1935 and Augustana College in 1939. She taught in Lowden< IA, and in Moline prior to her marriage to Frederick W. Rolf of Rock Island on August 27, 1946. Immediately following their marriage they moved to DeKalb where her husband was a Chemistry professor at N.I.U. Ruth was a wonderful wife and mother and a homemaker who loved to cook and entertain. She was a devoted fan of the Chicago Bulls for many years and was still playing bridge at the age of 97. She was a member of the DeKalb and University Women's Clubs and volunteered at the Family Service Agency's Country Store. She was a 66 year member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in DeKalb and a founding member of Chapter IV, P.E.O. Sisterhood in 1954.
She is survived by three children, Carol, R. Michael (Karen) and Martha, six grandchildren, one niece, two nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1990, her sister, Edith Appleton and her parents.
A private family service will be held at the Church of Peace in Rock Island and a private burial will be in Rock Island next to her husband in Chippiannock Cemetery.
Ruth was a 28 year cancer survivor and we hope that brings encouragement to all those dealing with this disease. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to First Congregational United Church of Christ in DeKalb, KishHealth System Hospice Music Therapy Program or KishHealth System Cancer Center.
To send an online condolence visit: wwwfinchfuneralhomedekalb.com. Arrangements were entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 (815) 758-3841.