Ruth L. Witt

LANARK – Ruth Lucille Witt, 96, of Lanark, died Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, at Good Samaritan Society – Mount Carroll, where she was a resident.

She and her twin brother, Robert, were born March 15, 1920, in rural Lanark to Virgil and Esther (Plock) Traum. Ruth attended the Lanark schools through high school. She married LeRoy “Dick” Witt on Nov. 4, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa. Ruth enjoyed many years as a cook in the Lanark School District, where her cinnamon rolls were a huge favorite of all the students. Along with being a wife, she was mother of three boys, sister to Raymond, inseparable twin sister to brother Robert, and a wonderful mother-in-law, aunt, and friend to many. Grandma, Great-Grandma, and Great-Great-Grandma were her favorite titles. She taught many of her grandchildren to appreciate family game time, especially cards and board games. There are many fond memories of Euchre, marbles, Uno, and a host of other fun-filled games that today bring a smile to everyone’s face.

On March 15, 2010, Brian and Sharon Witt escorted Ruth to surprise her twin brother, Robert, after several years, to celebrate their 90th birthday. Robert was a resident at a nursing  home in Clinton, Iowa and was elated to be reunited again. When they were 9 years old, their mother Esther took them to Lindo Theater in Freeport for a twin gathering, where 42 pairs attended. As twins, they shared many wonderful memories in their 90 years of life. Ruth was a member of First Brethren Church of Lanark where, in her earlier years, she was active in the WMS, Women’s Missionary Society. She was also a member of the Grange and enjoyed many fun-filled years in the Red Hat Society.

Surviving are sons Jerry (Pat) Witt of Stow, Ohio, Ron (Linda) Witt of Chillicothe; daughter-in-law, Sandy Witt of Lanark; seven grandchildren, Brian (Sharon) Witt of Lanark, Brad (Renea) Witt of Lanark, Jim (Leslie) Witt of Hudson, Ohio, Tim (Cheryl) Witt of Northville, Michigan, Christy (Jeff) Schofield of Hudson, Ohio, Stacey (Brandon) Tipsword of Champaign, Illinois, and Aaron (Jenn) Witt of Edelstein; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy “Dick” Witt; one son, Teddy Witt of Lanark; her mother and father, Esther and Virgil Traum of Lanark; and two brothers, Raymond Traum of Lanark, and her twin brother, Robert Traum of Camanche, Iowa.

The funeral was Saturday at First Brethren Church in Lanark. Interment was at Lanark Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Good Samaritan Society – Mount Carroll or First Brethren Church of Lanark.

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