Panorea Ruston Obituary

Ruston, Panorea "Penny"

Panorea "Penny" Ruston, age 80, from Chicago, IL passed away peacefully on June 20th, 2025 in Pensacola, FL surrounded by many of her loving family and friends. Born on September 15th, 1944 in Chicago, IL. Penny graduated from Austin High School in 1962 and immediately pursued a career in the jewelry industry where she worked in various roles for over 45 years. She began working in retail at Trabert & Hoeffer. As her career flourished, she went on to work for several well-known jewelry brands such as Lagos, Ebel and Roberto Coin where she became one the first female outside sales reps in the industry. In addition to her personal and professional lives she took the responsibility of forming the Chicago chapter of the Woman's Jewelry Association where she helped mentor other woman seeking a career in the Jewelry industry. She was a true pioneer in her profession.

Penny married the love of her life Jim Ruston in 1970 who she was married to for 55 years. Together they raised their son Michael in Elmhurst, IL where they built a wonderful life together. Their home was filled with laughter, warmth and unconditional love. Penny loved to entertain and was always the life of the party opening her home to family & friends. The most anticipated party of the year was always Greek Orthodox Easter. The celebration was always filled with an abundance of Greek dishes including lamb, Jim's pastitsio and the always anticipated red Easter eggs. Becoming a Yiayia (Grandmother) was her greatest joy of all when her twin grandchildren Jimmy and Ella were born. They were the light of her life, and she had a special bond with each of them. Their relationships were built on the foundation of unwavering love for each other. However, the most beautiful part of their relationship was how close they were, which was due to the time they gave each other. Whether it was vacations, lunches or just sleep overs at Yiayia and Papou's (Grandfather) house, their time together was always special. Penny is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jim; her son Michael, her grandchildren Jimmy and Ella, in addition to her brother Peter (Chandra) Kaskas, her sister Sandra (John) Muscolino, her brother Dean (Simi) Grevan and an abundance of cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Helen (Siavelis) Grevan, her father Thomas Kaskas and her sister Tia Coleman.

Visitation will be held at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester on Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM. All to meet Monday, June 30th at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 601 S. Central, Chicago for her Funeral Service at 12:30 pm. The family will also hold a celebration of life in Pensacola, FL in the weeks to come.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Gulf Coast Kids House. Penny was an avid supporter of Gulf Coast Kids House and was set to be the honorary chair this year for their annual Bubbles and Brunch fundraiser. www.gulfcoastkidshouse.org.

We were all blessed to have had Penny in our lives. She was one of a kind and a true treasure. She is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

For funeral info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.

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