Ruth A. Paul

Ruth A. Paul, 98, of Rockford, IL, died Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at Independence Village, Rockford, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 29, 2016, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., 6601 38th Avenue, Moline.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memorial Estate.  Memorials may be made to Faith Evangelical Free Church.

Ruth was born on March 4, 1918, in Buena Vista, IA, the daughter of Harry and Elizabeth Whitman. She was raised on a farm near Cordova, IL, and later near Sherrard, IL.  She graduated from Sherrard High School and then from Augustana College in 1939 with a B.A. degree. She married Herschel M. Paul on November 4, 1939, and he preceded her in death on February 8, 2010.

Ruth started teaching near Sherrard.  Later, she taught English and music at the high school in Viola where she was the assistant principal.  She then went on to become the principal of Viola Elementary School and later, the principal of Monmouth Elementary School. Ruth then moved to Moline, IL, where she taught for 24 years at Hamilton Grade School, retiring in 1982.

Ruth was a member of Faith Evangelical Free Church, The Christian Friendliness Association, and Illinois Teacher’s Retirement System. She liked crafts and reading as hobbies.

Survivors include her children, Jerry L. Paul of Menomonee Falls, WI, and Dr. Jon (Renita) Paul of Rockford, IL; grandchildren, Brian Paul, Allison Nolan, Angela Paul, Ginette Endres, Nicole Fisk, Eric Paul, and Kristine Paul; great grandchildren, Donald Fisk, Rion Nolan, Wyatt and Garrett Paul, Gabriele and Isaiah Endres, and Alex Paul; daughter-in-law, Anita Paul, Plano, TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Dr. James Paul.

Memories may be shared online by visiting eserdahl.com.