We are sad to inform you that Ruth (Adams) Thornton ’45 passed away on February 28th, 2015 at the age of 91 in Tracy, CA after battling Alzheimer’s for nine years.

Ruth lived in Danville, Illinois from birth until 1963 when she moved to Anaheim, CA. The move to Anaheim was a huge sacrifice by Ruth and Chuck which was prompted by their strong desire to improve the education of their sons who were facing the prospects of many budget cuts in the Danville School District. Ruth was employed by the Anaheim Union High School District as a Media Specialist for 17 years. Prior to moving to Anaheim, she was an employee of Palmer American National Bank in Danville, IL for 8 years.

Her most important responsibility and the one she took the most pride in, was her job as a mom and grandma! Ruth was an avid sports fan. She was a long time season ticket holder of the Angels Baseball Team while residing in Southern California. She also stayed close to her roots by being a passionate football and basketball fan of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini. Her greatest enthusiasm was saved for the basketball teams her sons coached and all the teams that her grandkids played on. She was famous for being the first “fan” to arrive at almost every game her family members participated in. Ruth also cherished her many visits to Disneyland where her husband Chuck was employed for over 20 years. It brought her much joy throughout the years to share the Disney experience with her sons and grandchildren. She particularly enjoyed a once in a life-time family trip to Disney World in Orlando.

Read Ruth’s full obituary here.