Ruby Jean Steck, age 102, of Carman, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst.  She was born November 23, 1918 at home, near Carman, the daughter of Fred and Emma Siegworth Dannenberg.  She was married to George Franklin Steck.  He preceded her in death in January of 1959.

 

Ruby grew up on a close knit family farm with her parents, siblings, and two significant uncles, Louie and Bill Dannenberg.  She attended Carman Grade School and graduated from Stronghurst High School in 1935.  In 1937, she graduated from Western Illinois State Teachers College with an Associate degree in teaching.  She later returned and received her Bachelor degree in 1969.

 

Ruby taught in rural schools in Cass County, Illinois, Stronghurst, Raritan, Smithshire, Media, and in the Grimes and Salter Elementary Schools in Burlington, Iowa.  An elementary teacher for forty years, Ruby stated “ each child is unique. Educating the mind without a heart, is no education at all.”

 

She was a 4-H leader, a member of the Carman United Church, two card clubs, and was active in the Henderson County Republican Women.  She was a talented seamstress, and in her younger years, loved dancing to the big band era of Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and singer Bing Crosby.

 

Survivors include two daughters; Peggy (Donald) Latherow of Fountain Green, IL, Jean Ann Steck of Carman, two sons; Fred (Kerri) Steck and William (Brenda) Steck, both of Carman, five grandchildren; Megan (Michael) Moser, and Maria, Catie, Abby, and John Steck, and four great grandsons; Clifford, Michael, Reid, and Max Moser.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one grandson; Dannen Latherow, three brothers; Walter, John and Charles L.,  and two sisters; Helen and Marguerite.

 

Private family graveside services will be held Monday, December 28, 2020 in the Carman Cemetery, with Pastor Lisa Unger officiating.  Friends may call as they desire from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst.  A memorial fund has been established for Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab in Stronghurst.  Please visit Ruby’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.