Ruby Postlewait
Kane |
Ruby Abbott Postlewait died at 12am December 15th at the age of 91. She was born Ruby Leona Abbott in a log cabin in a wooded area far west of Kane and north of Fieldon to Howard and Dora (Edwards) Abbott on October 28, 1923. She was the eighth of the ten children that reached adulthood in that family. She was the last of her generation to survive.
She was a war-bride married to Urban Francis Postlewait on May 6, 1942 after following him to his army post at Port Townsend, Washington. Their union produced four sons: Urban Paul, Dennis Moore, Keevan Patrick (who died shortly after birth), and Kim Bernard Postlewait. She held many other titles throughout her life to support her family and herself: farmwife, bartender, secretary, politician, Kane Township Clerk, Kane Township Supervisor, owner and operator of Postlewait Grocery in Kane, single-mom, college graduate, historian and Project Director for the Sesquicentennial Edition of Jersey County History, and genealogist. She always had a broad grin when recounting her schoolgirl exploits as a state marble shooting champion. With the help and support of her older sisters, she was the only one of their large family to graduate from high school.
Her proudest moments include her role in breaking the gender barrier in Greene County politics. She was the first woman to serve on the County Board of Supervisors. Respecting her honesty and integrity, voters in Kane Township returned her to office for a combined 52 years of service. Her work on Jersey County history and for the Historical Societies of both Jersey and Greene Counties is widely respected. An ardent advocate of higher education, she helped support her sons in obtaining their advanced degrees, then she herself obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Illinois University at the age of 57. Her artistic talents were expressed through her remarkable needlework. Her embroidery and crocheted pieces are treasured by family and friends.
She dearly loved her immediate and her extended family. Her greatest attribute, however, may be the compassion that she always had for children and senior citizens who did not have the privileges or wherewithal to enjoy many of life’s experiences. Whether taking kids to a Cardinal’s ballgame or to Six Flags or going coast-to-coast with van loads of seniors, her kind acts are remember by so many people.
Besides her parents, infant son, and Urban Francis Postlewait, Ruby was preceded in death by seven sisters and two brothers: William Abbott, Pauline Turner, Emeline Crotchett, Tillie Luke, Dora Irene Scoggins, Drucilla (Dukie) Hetzel, James Abbott, Wretha [Cecil] Webb, and Peggy [Beauchamp] Powell.
In addition to her three sons, she is survived by Urban’s wife Donna, Kim’s wife Susan, and Dennis’ partner Guy Sprouls. Surviving grandchildren are Michael Postlewait, Nathan Postlewait, Sarah Wagoner, Elizabeth Warford, and Robin Hasty. Great grandchildren are Katie Postlewait, Alyssa Postlewait, Ryan Postlewait, Jamie Postlewait, Hannah Wagoner, Lucas Wagoner, and Henry Warford. Many nieces and nephews and their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren also survive and will miss the love from their Aunt Ruby.
Visitation will be held from 10 am to 1 pm on Wednesday, December 17at Alexander Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Services will be held at the funeral home at 1 pm by her beloved niece, Bonnie Hetzel. Burial will follow at Kane Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
Alexander Funeral Home
