Ruth E. Harlan

Funeral services for Ruth E. Harlan, 97 of Seaton, will be Thursday at 11:00 AM at the Center Presbyterian Church, Seaton. Burial will be in McClure Cemetery, Seaton, Illinois. Visitation is Wednesday from 4 to 8 at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo. Memorials may be made to the McClure Cemetery or to S.P.A.R.K.S. (Seaton Park and Recreation for Kids Safety). Ruth died peacefully at her home on Friday, August 8, 2014. Ruth Elizabeth was born on June 12, 1917 in Mercer County to Thomas and Julia E. (Harris) Chambers. She was a 1935 graduate of Seaton High School and a graduate of Monmouth College. She was united in marriage to Charles D. “Pooky” Harlan on November 14, 1943 in New York, New York. He preceded her in death on June 2, 1978. Ruth was a dedicated English teacher, having taught in the Aledo, Rock Ridge and Westmer School Districts. She was a member of the Center Presbyterian Church and the Women’s Circle at church; PEO Chapter AG, Keithsburg; Mercer County Retired Teachers; Home Extension; Order of the Eastern Star and a member of the William Dennison Chapter of NSDAR since 1936. She also enjoyed knitting, quilting, ceramics and collecting Salt and Pepper Shakers. Those left to cherish Ruth’s memory include: her 5 children and spouses: Judith Redlinger of Seaton; Sue & Larry Taylor of Laramie, WY; Tom & Susie Harlan of Seaton; Ruth Ann & Jerry McNearney of Eagle River, Alaska and Frank & Diane Harlan of Reno, NV; 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.