Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Ruth Spencer Obituary
Spencer, Ruth Shores age 88, of Calumet City, Ill, formerly of the Chatham area of Chicago, died after an extended illness following brain surgery, February 28, 2007. She was known as Nana to her family and was the devoted wife of George C. Spencer, a Chatham entrepreneur, for almost 70 years. Mrs. Spencer was a graduate of Wendell Phillips High School. She led a 40-year accomplished career, first as a systems analyst for the Cook County Department of Public Aid and later as an accountant for the State of Illinois. She was preceded in death by her father Clarence E. Shores, MD, her mother Lou Willa Baugh Shores, and her brother Russell Shores, all of Chicago. Survivors include her husband; her two children, Dr. Barbara Penelton of Peoria, Ill, and George Jr. of Calumet City, Ill; 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. A wake will be held Tuesday, March 6th, 6 to 8 p.m., visitation, Wednesday, March 7th, at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11 a.m., at A.A. Rayner & Sons Funeral Home, 318 East 71st St, Chicago. Interment will be at Lincoln Cemetery, 12300 South Kedzie Avenue, Blue Island, Ill. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that financial donations be sent in memory of Ruth Spencer, to South Side Unity Center of Christianity, 9320 South Ashland Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60620. 
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Spencer
Sponsored by Kim Campbell, Nana's granddaughter.
Chinta Strausberg
February 29, 2020
I will always miss Aunt Ruth and Uncle George. The last time I drove up to Union Pier to talk to them Aunt Ruth allowed me to take a picture of the two of them. At that time, she told me she didn't allow anyone to take a picture of them, but she did for me. I am still looking for that picture. She looked so beautiful but then Aunt Ruth always looked like a fashion model no matter what time of day or night. Rest in peace, my beautiful aunt. -- Chinta Strausberg
Nancy Gier
March 30, 2007
My condolences to Kim and her family on the death of her beloved grandmother.
F.Marlene Spotts
March 11, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Rochelle Crump
March 10, 2007
May God continue to comfort and provide peaceful thoughts as you remember your loved one.
joan wesley
March 9, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Jacqueline McLean
March 9, 2007
To Barbara and family,
My heartfelt sympathy. May your family find comfort in the memories that you shared with your Mother. My love, Jacqueline McLean
Fran Armmer
March 9, 2007
Mavis and I offer our deepest sympathy at the parting of your mother, wife, grandmother, friend. May the Lord continue to strengthen the entire extended Spencer family. You remain in our prayers.
Rosetta Bowsky
March 8, 2007
Ruth, a sophisticated classy lady, was my friend and mentor, and an inspiration to many of us. Flowers bloom in my memory garden because of her.
Denise Braggs Brown
March 8, 2007
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol & Marv Gittler
March 7, 2007
Our family sends all our love. She was a wonderful lady and we will all miss her a lot. Our very best, Carol and Marv. and all the girls, Michelle, Caryn, Susie, Mandy and Debbie
Steve and Myron Tiersky
March 7, 2007
With our sympathy on Ruth's passing.
Your neighbors on Gordon Beach.
Union Pier, Michigan.
Joyce Potts
March 7, 2007
May God bless you and keep you during this time of bereavement.
Kathy Riley
March 7, 2007
May our God continue to keep you and comfort you all the days of your life. I know that He is saying well done my faithful servant. My love to you. Kathy Riley
June Taylor
March 6, 2007
To Soror Barbara...
My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family at this time of loss. I know your faith will sustain you.
June (Lewis) Taylor, EH, Charter Line
Dina Carter
March 6, 2007
To the Spencer Family,
We send our deepest sympathy. I have many fond memories of Aunt Ruth. She was a very classy lady and I will never forget her. May God bless and keep you during this time.
Dina Carter and Family
Renee Jones Webb
March 6, 2007
To Barbara and your extended family: Though I never had the pleasure of meeting your mother, her vibrancy and positive impact on the lives of so many is certainly evident. My heartfelt sympathy at your loss. Sincerely, Renee Webb
Michael Campbell
March 6, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all in this time of bereavement. I know that Nana touched so many lives including mine and my family.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Spencer extended family.
Michael, Khari, Pat, and Benny Campbell-Wright
The women of the family - 4 generations!
March 6, 2007
Georgina Heard-Labonne
March 6, 2007
Our prayers are with you always and throughout these difficult times.
Cherie A. Bagley
March 6, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Madelyn & Bill Elston
March 6, 2007
We are deeply sorry that we have all lost such a wonderful person. Ruth was a terrific Wife, a loving Mother, and a great Friend.
Peter & Sybil Thomas
March 6, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Stephanie Walden
March 6, 2007
My deepest condolences to Aunt Barbara, Kim and Lisa, and their families. Miss Ruth's beauty and spirit live on through you.
The women of the family
March 6, 2007
The family (Joseph wasn't born yet!)
March 6, 2007
Ruth & George at family reunion
March 6, 2007
Ruth
March 6, 2007
Ruth
March 6, 2007
The great-grandchildren
March 6, 2007
The grandchildren
March 6, 2007
George & Ruth
March 6, 2007
George & Ruth
March 6, 2007
George & Ruth
March 6, 2007
Ruth & George
March 6, 2007
Barb Spike Ruth George
March 6, 2007
Carla Edwards Brown
March 6, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. I did not know Mrs. Spencer, but I know her daughter, Soror Barbara.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sylvia & Earl Wells
March 6, 2007
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family.
Mikel Koon
March 6, 2007
My prayers go out to the family. I did not know Aunt Ruth, but I'm well aware of her legacy through her amazing and beautiful daughter, my Aunt Barbara and her lovely and talented granddaughters, my cousins Kim and Lisa. My prayers are with you during this time of reflection. I'm blessed to have been touched by Ruth's family.
Chinta Strausberg
March 6, 2007
Man's extremity is God's opportunity.
I know that is a true saying for I believe Aunt Ruth is at peace, out of pain and worry, and is being cradled by our Lord Jesus Christ, but I shall miss her beautiful smile and her seasoned words of wisdom.
Aunt Ruth had a beauty that was more than skin deep. Her beauty radiated throughout her whole being. Her smile was infectious and her wisdom and sophistication will be ever lasting.
I love you Aunt Ruth and my prayers go out to you, Uncle George and thank you for remaining by your wife's side until God brought her back home.
Love you always and forever, your niece, Chinta Strausberg
Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results
Make a Donation
in Ruth Spencer's name
Memorial Events
for Ruth Spencer
Funeral services provided by:
A.A. Rayner & Sons Modern Funeral Service - Chicago318 East 71st Street, Chicago, IL 60619
How to support Ruth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ruth Spencer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
