obituaries

Ruth Volz

Bethalto |

Ruth Virginia Unterbrink Volz, 97, passed away at Rosewood Care Center in Alton on Thursday, September 20, 2018.

Ruth was born on December 26, 1920, the first child of Albert G. and Elfleda D. (Short) Unterbrink in East Alton, IL, where she lived her entire life until moving to Villa Rose Senior Living Community in Bethalto with her sister, Joyce Hutchens, 2 1/2 years ago.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Harry Hazen; her second husband, Gilbert Whitten, from whom she was divorced; her third husband, Raymond Volz; her sister and brother-in-law, Esther and Bruce Hazen; her brother, Milton Unterbrink; her brother-in-law, Armond "Hutch" Hutchens; a son, David Whitten; nieces, Susan Hutchens and Leigh Ann Unterbrink; a grandson, Jeff Whitten; and two nephews, Greg and Gary Hazen.

Ruth is survived by her children, Michael (Susan) Whitten of Virginia Beach, VA, Roberta Orrill of East Alton; as well as her siblings, Lynn D. Unterbrink and Joyce Hutchens of Villa Rose in Bethalto, Ray L. (Penny) Unterbrink of Midland, TX; sister-in-law, Nina Unterbrink of Racine, WI; six grandchildren, Jack Orrill, Teri Olsen and Traci Quigley all of Wood River, Michelle Ross Whitten of Toledo, OH, Scott Whitten of Newport News, VA, Lori Whitten Shipps of Stoneham, MA; 12 great grandchildren; 18 great-great grandchildren; plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruth attended grade school in East Alton and was a graduate of East Alton-Wood River Community High School.  She retired from Owens-Illinois Glass and from the Madison County Township Supervisor's Office in East Alton.

She was the longest member of the 1st United Methodist Church in East Alton and a charter member of the DUO (Do Unto Others) Class where she played an active role throughout her life. She served as a Sunday school teacher, an officer in many of the Women's groups and was a long-standing member of the church choir.  Her faith was important to her and was always evident-especially during every prayer she offered before any meal where family was present.  We rejoice in her homecoming with the many family members she will be reunited with in heaven.

Ruth has chosen cremation rites and a memorial service and burial will be held at a later date, yet to be determined.

Memorials in Ruth's honor may be made to the 1st United Methodist Church, 1001 3rd St, East Alton, IL 62024.

Marks Mortuary in Wood River is in charge of arrangements.


Obit Provided By:
Mark's Mortuary

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