Norman F. Ruth

Norman F. Ruth Obituary Norman “Norm” Francis Ruth, age 89, of North Aurora, formerly of Morton Grove and Marion, passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago with his loving family by his side. He was born February 20, 1936, in Chicago, the son of Eugene and Theresa (Scherpf) Ruth.  He was the beloved husband of Carol nee James and the loving father of four.  He was the cherished grandfather of five and dear brother of Eugene Ruth. Norm grew up in Chicago and went to Catholic grade school and high school.  He was an alter boy and would sell prayers to earn days off of school.  Norm loved going to see movies and would take the bus to the theater.  HO Model railroading was a huge hobby and in later years Norm’s collection filled the entire basement.  In addition, Norm was a devoted Chicago Bears fan.  Norm met Carol, the love of his life, at Stewart Warner Corporation and their first date was a blind date of sorts.  They enjoyed dancing to big band music and Frank Sinatra.  A highlight was seeing Gene Krupa live in Chicago as well as Louis Armstrong.  Norm was dedicated to his wife Carol and his four children.  Norm and his sons built model airplanes and blasted a miniature Apollo rocket.  He also enjoyed taking his family on cross country camping trips; starting with pop up campers and moving up to a Winnebago motor home.  Norm and Carol were married 62 years prior to Carol’s passing in 2021.  They enjoyed watching the birds near the various feeders in their backyard as well as sitting in front of the pond.  They had numerous dogs within their lifetime with the most recent being Faith, a rescue dog. Faith was a dear companion to both of them.   Norm loved being a fireman and when he first started, he did an internship at the firehouse in Old Town, Chicago.  He also worked for the Morton Grove Fire Department and worked his way up to Chief.  Later, after he retired and moved to Marion, Illinois, he was Chief of the Lake of Egypt Fire Department.  While there, Norm was instrumental in bringing 911 emergency services to the rural Lake of Egypt area.  Norm continued to work and sold garden sheds part time up until his early 80’s. He is survived by his children Debbie Deutscher (Dave Anderson) of California, Susan Ruth of Glen Ellyn, Jeff Ruth of North Aurora, Steve Ruth of Georgia and Son-in-Law Ben Rodriquez of Romeoville; grandchildren Adam Deutscher (Monica) of California and Chris Deutscher of California, Paige Rodriquez of Chicago and Morgan Rodriquez of Boston, and Joshua Ruth of Georgia; great grandson Kayden Deutscher; and many other dear relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and devoted wife Carol Ann. Visitation for Norm will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 1:00 pm until the time of his memorial service at 4:00 pm at the Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 would be appreciated. For more information 630-232-8233 or malonefh.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Norman F. Ruth, please visit our floral store. Read More