Mary Ruth (Dixon) Surber

Mary Ruth Surber, age 101, of Monmouth, Illinois; passed away peacefully at 12:01 pm on Sunday October 13, 2019 in the presence of family and caring staff members at Monmouth Nursing Home in Monmouth, Illinois. Mary Ruth was born on April 22, 1918 in Burlington, Iowa and is the daughter of Perley and Willie Fritz Dixon. She was raised in Biggsville where she attended local schools and graduated from the Biggsville High School. She then graduated from Brown's Business College in Galesburg, Illinois. Mary Ruth married Ralph Surber on June 19, 1937 in Galesburg, Illinois and he preceded her in his death on February 21, 1994. Mary Ruth was a farm wife and homemaker with her husband and family on their farm in Henderson County. She attended the Biggsville United Presbyterian Church in earlier years. Through the years, Mary Ruth used her talents for oil painting and needlework to present her family and community with special gifts and heirlooms. An avid reader and lover of crossword puzzles, Mary also enjoyed listening to music and playing the organ. She is survived by her Granddaughter, Joy Byington and David of Traverse  City, Michigan and her Grandson, Gregory Surber and Vickie of Woodway, Texas. There are three great grandsons and two great granddaughters as well as four great great grandchildren also surviving. She is preceded in her death by her parents, husband, and her son and daughter in law, Blair and Judy A. Joy Surber from Palmyra, VA

A graveside service for Mary Ruth is being planned on Monday October 21, 2019 at 10:30 am at the Biggsville Township Cemetery. No viewing or visitation is currently planned by the family. A memorial fund is being established for the Christian Appalachian Project as Mary requested. To leave a remembrance or for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com

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