Ruth Marie Patton, 94, of Freeburg, IL; born April 22, 1919; passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.

Marie graduated from Southern Illinois University earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Elementary Education. She taught first grade at several schools in Illinois including Decatur and for 30 years at Crystal Lake, IL.

She was a member of the local, state and national Retired Teachers Association. Marie was a member of the American Association of University Women and a member of both Alpha Theta and Delta Chapters of Delta Kappa Gamma Society of Illinois. She was on the Eastern St. Clair County Cancer Board for several years. She was a member and past president of the General Federated Women’s Club of Marissa and also served as President of District #22 – GFWC of Illinois.

Marie was a veteran having served in the Hospital Corps of the United States Navy in World War II.

She was a member of the Marissa Presbyterian Church and active as a Sunday School teacher, member of several committees and was a member of the Evelyn Cathcart Mission Circle.

She was preceded in death by her parents James and Ruth, nee Kirkwood, Patton. Her siblings – Virginia Hogshead, Elizabeth Fulton, Rose Patton, Kenneth Patton, Robert Patton, Arlene Hagebusch, William Patton and Dorothy Campbell.

She is survived by a sister – Marjorie “Peg” Patton of Freeburg, IL. Her nieces and nephews – Darlene Fritz, Lee (Theo) Fulton, Jim (Shirley) Hogshead, Tom (Natasha) Hogshead, Linda (Ted) Dosztan, Mike (Sue) Campbell, Pat (Carol) Campbell, Tim (Sara) Campbell, Terry (Dorene) Campbell, Kathy Bartolotta, Jack (Wanda) Campbell, Bonnie (Paul) Bickel, Jan (Tom) Miller, Beth (Stuart) Schneider. She is also survived by many great nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Marissa Presbyterian Church.

Visitation: Friends may call at the Marissa Presbyterian Church in Marissa, IL on Friday, August 23, 2013 from 9:30am to 11:00am.

Funeral: Services will be held at the Marissa Presbyterian Church in Marissa, IL on Friday, August 23, 2013 at 11:00am with Rev. James Ryan officiating.

Interment: Burial will be held at the Tilden Cemetery in Tilden, IL.