Ruth Ann Demuth

Ruth Ann DeMuth, age 86, of Mt. Carroll, passed away Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at home in the care of her loving family supported by FHN Hospice. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am Thursday, January 5, 2023 at SS. John & Catherine Catholic Church in Mt. Carroll. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll. Visitation will be held 5 – 8 pm Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at the Church, and one hour prior to the Mass. Friends and family may watch the livestream at https://www.facebook.com/groups/564318951876047 .

Ruth was born October 20, 1936, in Chicago, the daughter of Joseph and Irma (Dohse) Schumacher. She is a graduate of Our Lady of Merch Alvernia High School, William Rainey Harper College, and Northeastern Illinois University. On September 29, 1956, Ruth married Raymond DeMuth in Chicago. They raised seven children and celebrated 58 years of marriage before Raymond’s passing on June 28, 2015.

Ruth worked as a Special Education Teacher in District 220 of Lake County, where she served as a chairperson for the Title I program benefitting the lowest achieving students. She was instrumental in the establishment of the first special education program at the local school. She was also a founder of the Barrington Association for Children with Hearing Disabilities. Ruth's passion was aiding and the betterment of the disadvantaged, supporting the underdog and helping them succeed.

Ruth frequently volunteered in her Parish and in her community. Starting in 1990, she helped for many years at the Good Samaritan & Allure Nursing Home in Mt. Carroll. She also taught religious education and volunteered at SS. John & Catherine Catholic Church in Mt. Carroll. Ruth was creative and enjoyed reading, writing, quilting, embroidery, gardening, and keeping her lawn mowed. She loved animals and embraced wildlife by providing a natural habitat surrounding her home.

Ruth will be dearly missed by her seven children; Michael DeMuth of Charleston, Illinois, Kenneth (Dalia) DeMuth of Chicago, Douglas (Margaret) DeMuth of Carpentersville, Judith DeMuth of Casey, Illinois, James (Kim) DeMuth of Clearwater, Florida, Jennifer (Rich) Ferguson of Pepper Pike, Ohio, and Thomas (Terri) DeMuth of Athens, Georgia; 20 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; a sister, Helen Rhinehart of Longmont, Colorado; and a brother, Daniel Schumacher of Springfield, Illinois. Ruth Ann is preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Irma, and husband Raymond; a brother-in-law, Jack Rhinehart; and sister-in-law, Diana Schumacher.