Ruth Evelyn Lauver, 90 of Galesburg, Illinois died at 3:15 p.m. Sunday May6, 2012 in the Marigold Rehabilitation Center in Galesburg. She was born May 27, 1921 near Raritan, Illinois, the daughter of Reggie F. and Addie Gearhart Cook. On August 31, 1940, she married James W. Lauver in Raritan. He preceded her in death on December 30, 2007.

Ruth grew up on a farm in the Raritan area and graduated from Media High School. She will be remembered as pianist/organist for the Raritan Reformed Church for many years. In 1947, she moved from Raritan to Galesburg. She had been employed as a secretary at several Galesburg businesses. She had lived on Oak Street for many years, then moved to Highway 150 East near Knoxville for several more. She recently had resided at Seminary Estates, Hawthorne Inn, and Seminary Manor.

Jim and Ruth traveled extensively in their retirement and were very proud that their motor home had been in every state but Hawaii, and in several provinces of Canada. Many good new friends and good memories were the result.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers at her three residences as well as St Marys Medical Center, Cottage Hospital and Beacon of Hope Hospice.

Survivors include one daughter- Adale (and Eldon) Finch Tessman of Brooklyn Park, MN., one son - Richard W. (and Lorna) Lauver of North Ridgeville, OH., five grandchildren- James D. (and Lori) Finch, Jane A. (and Roy) Tom, Jeff F. (and Toni) Finch, Jody R. (and Denny) Belisle, Ned W. (and Nikki) Lauver, fifteen great grandchildren, sixteen great great grandchildren, one brother- James (and Doris) Cook of Raritan, one brother in law- Robert Lauver of Arizona, and many nieces and nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, one brother- Raymond Cook, one sister- Eloise Waring, a son-in-law - Larry (Butch) Finch, and one great great granddaughter- Georgiann Hicks.

The funeral for Ruth Lauver will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday May 9, 2012 in the Raritan Reformed Church with Rev. Terry Muller officiating. Burial will be in the Raritan Cemetery. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, where the family will be present from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday. A memorial fund has been established for the Raritan Reformed Church.