Ruth M. Benbow

Ruth Marie Benbow, 86, Knoxville, died at 3:55 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at home.  Ruth was born August 3, 1931 in Warren County, the daughter of Dale Thomas and Frieda Jeanette (Markland) Bond.  She married James P. Benbow on January 13, 1980 in Reno, NV.  He survives in Knoxville, along with three sons, James P. (Brenda) Benbow, Iron Mountain, MI, Stephen (Elizabeth) Benbow and Brian (Orinda) Benbow, Galesburg; as well as two daughters, Deborah (Michael) DeForest, Galesburg and Barbara (Richard) Powell, Tulare, CA.  Ruth is also survived by ten grandchildren, Eric Henderson, Ann (Andrew) Boyden, R.J. (Jennifer) Mitchell, Amanda Powell, Rick Powell, Pres (Reyna) Benbow, Cole and Luke Benbow, Heidi and Noah Benbow; and seven great grandchildren.  Ruth was preceded in death by two sisters, Marcia Kaletsch and Patricia Broadfield. Ruth was a graduate of Abingdon High School.  She worked for several years at Lakis Ford in Galesburg before purchasing Wolfsie’s in Galesburg and its sister store Kewanee. It was then that she was able to pursue her true passion as a talented seamstress and crafter.  It was through her crafting that she was able to travel throughout Illinois and surrounding states taking part in craft shows. Ruth was also a member of the Williamsfield Investment Club where she enjoyed her time with friends. Ruth also loved to read and enjoyed trading books with family and friends.  It was just this fall that Ruth began attending R.C.I.A. in order to become a member of the Catholic Church.  Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, November 20, 2017 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home where the rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m.  Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Costa Catholic Academy or the Knox County Humane Society.