Ruth LaVerne Brunkow died on August 14, 2016 in Urbana, IL.

She was born on May 19, 1910 in Dubuque, Iowa, to Ferdinand W. and Ursula Julia Harsch Brunkow. Ruth was preceded in death by four sisters and six brothers. She is survived by many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

Ruth was grateful to be born into such a wonderful Christian family. She attended schools in Dubuque and also the American Institute of Banking in Chicago. She was employed by the Northern Trust Company in Chicago and the National Bank of Austin.

Ruth was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Champaign, P.E.O. Chapter FF, Salvation Army Auxiliary, Association of Chicago Bank Women, Nineteenth Century Club of Oak Park, and Zonta International.

Ruth was known for her friendly, outgoing nature and was a woman of many talents. She displayed her organizational abilities as president of most all of the organizations to which she belonged. She also made her own clothes and loved to cook. Her many friends and relatives particularly enjoyed her cookies.

Ruth's secret to long life is having a positive attitude and flexibility, being able to adjust to change.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Clarke-Lindsey activities center on October 1st at 10:00 A.M. Reverend Thomas Brunkow will officiate.