Herrin- Ruth J. Parten, age 88, of Herrin, passed away at 9:30am on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at Helia Healthcare in Energy.
Ruth was born in Chicago on March 3, 1926, the daughter of Cornelius and Gertrude (Von Swol) Paterik. She married Donald Day Parten in Chicago on June 9, 1956. He preceded her in death on June 18, 2011.
Mrs. Parten was a member of Bryan Street Baptist Church in Herrin. She loved to read and was an avid pen-paller, at one time having more than fifty pen-pals, some since World War II.
Survivors include her son- Phillip and Jacklyn Parten of Herrin
Son- Paul Parten of Calumet City, IL
Son- John and Kathy Parten of South Holland, IL
Grandson- James and Kelly Parten of South Holland, IL
Grandson- Joseph Parten of South Holland, IL
Granddaughter- Stacey and Tim Livingston of Cape Coral, FL
Great Grandson- Aiden Livingston of Cape Coral, FL
Several nieces and nephews
Close friends- Stella and Ernie Nolan of Herrin
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband- Donald, two brothers, one sister-in-law, and one nephew.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 12:30pm on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at Blairsville Cemetery with Rev. Duane Faulkenberry officiating. Family and friends are asked to gather directly at the cemetery. Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is assisting the family with final arrangements.
For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the Byran Street Baptist Church. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com