Ruth Cherry, a long time resident of Kendall County and former resident of Batavia, died Thursday July 23, 2009 at Walnut Grove Village, Morris, IL. Ruth was born in Memphis, TN on October 7, 1915 to Sam W. Baar and Bertha W. (Smith) Baar. Ruth lived in La Grange, IL and graduated from Lyons Township High School and Lyons Township Junior College. In 1937, she graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in French. After college, Ruth worked for three years in Chicago in the office of a college fraternity. On December 21, 1940 in LaGrange, IL, Ruth married Robert Seely Cherry of Oswego, IL whom she met at the University of Illinois. They moved to his parents' farm in Na-Au-Say Township, Kendall County, and farmed and lived there until the 1980's. Ruth was a devoted helpmate to Bob in the farming enterprise which he loved. Robert died on January 6, 2000. Both of Ruth's parents were descendants of Dutch immigrants from Groningen, Holland Ruth valued her Dutch heritage. She inherited a strong faith from her parents and was devoted to her church. Ruth loved the outdoors and the farm landscape. She was a devoted wife and mother and dedicated her life to her family's needs. She was also very devoted to her mother and her aunts. Ruth encouraged her children to read and achieve an education. Ruth was active in many civic organizations: the Oswego Presbyterian Church, Kendall County Republican Women's Club, and Fox Valley Council of Girl Scouts. She volunteered for thirty years at Copley Hospital in Aurora. She enjoyed her membership in the West Side (Aurora) Reading Circle and in the ONO club of Oswego. Ruth was a life member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Sam Jr. of Tucson, AZ; and her husband. Ruth is survived by her daughters, Susan West (Aubrey) of Colorado Springs, CO and Carol Goddard (Gerald) of Burlington, IA; and her son, Robert Scott Cherry (Diana) of Oswego, IL; she is also survived by her granddaughter, Lee Goddard of New York, NY; her grandson, Matthew Robert Cherry of Oswego, IL; three step-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors from 6:30 until 8:00 PM Wednesday July 29 at the McKEOWN-DUNN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, LTD. 210 South Madison Street, Oswego, IL. Services and burial will be private. Memorials in Ruth's name may be directed to the Oswego Presbyterian Church. For additional information 630-554-3888.