Ruth Whyde

WILMINGTON—Ruth Elizabeth Whyde “Miss Daisy”,86, of Wilmington, passed away Wednesday evening, Jan. 10, 2018 at Rock Run Memory Care in Joliet.
Born Jan. 19, 1931 in Abingdon, Illinois, Ruth Elizabeth was a daughter of Floyd and Elsie (Meyers) Benson. She was raised and educated in Elwood and graduated from Joliet Township High School with the Class of 1949.
Ruth was a member of Island City Baptist Church in Wilmington; belonged to the Wilmington VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and in past years regularly worked the VFW fish fry’s. Ruthie enjoyed traveling to Arizona, gardening, and socializing with friends over coffee.
Most of all, she cherished spending time with her family and attending her grandchildren’s school events and sports. Ruthie was her grandkids biggest supporter, and a true Wilmington Wildcat fan. Her grandchildren were her life and they made her so very proud to be their grandma.
Survivors include four children: Harold (Janet) Van Duyne of Houston, Texas, Susan Van Duyne of Wilmington, Steven Van Duyne of Mesa, Arizona and Carrie (Terry) Anderson of Wilmington; four grandchildren: Sarah Van Duyne, Tyler Anderson, Nicholas Anderson and Allison Anderson, all of Wilmington; one great-granddaughter, Haley Van Duyne of Wilmington; one brother Ralph Benson of Morris; three sisters: Ruby Benson (the late Dick) Reeves of Cottonwood, Arizona, Helen (the late Bob) Fogle of Casa Grande, Arizona and Carol (Roger) George of Morris; numerous nieces and nephews, and her longtime and special friends: Linda Anderson and Beth Andrews, as well as the loving staff at Rock Run, who loved and spoiled Ruth for the past three years of her life, especially Erica Fanciullacci whose love for Ruth was over abundant.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ronald H. Whyde whom she married on Dec. 25, 1968 in the First Baptist Church in Wilmington; two daughters: Kathy Van Duyne in infancy and Dianna M. Van Duyne; four brothers: Harold (Pat) Benson, Elvin (Louise) Benson, George (Faye) Benson and Richard (Pat) Benson, and two sisters: Erma Benson and Mary (John) Alldread.
Per Ruth’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, and she will be laid to rest with her husband Ronald in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington at a later date.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Ruth’s memory to Great Lakes Caring Hospice or to the Wilmington Foundation for Excellence.
Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Ruth’s memorial page by logging onto:www.BaskervilleFuneral.com
Cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington