Ruth Kurtz

Ruth Kurtz, 96, of Delavan, passed away Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Hopedale Nursing Home in Hopedale.

She was born November 19, 1928 in Peoria to John M. and Ada Goodin Harris.  She married Dwight E. Kurtz on August 7, 1949 in Delavan, and he passed away December 14, 2000.

Surviving are one son, Kent (Diane) Kurtz of Delavan; three granddaughters, Lindsay (Eric) Diekhoff, Kristin (Ryon) Kramer, and Kaylee (Andrew) Mathison, all of Delavan; six great grandchildren, Makenna and Jaylyn Diekhoff, Karsyn and Jaron Kramer, and Emersyn and Rory Mathison; one brother, John M. Harris; and one sister, Beverly Derry.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a two-year-old daughter, Susan Leigh; one brother, Marshall Harris; and two sisters, Phyllis Webster and Virginia Moldenhauer.

Ruth’s love for her family was immense. To Dwight, she was a loving wife, who loved to travel and assist on the farm. To her family, she was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She enjoyed attending their athletic, school and musical events. Ruth especially enjoyed the fun and laughter of family gatherings. Her family was her true pride and joy. 

Ruth’s involvement in the Delavan community was extremely important to her. She was a member of the Delavan United Methodist church since 1949, and it’s United Methodist Women. She was a member of the Ladies Prairie Rest Cemetery Association, where she served as president, a member of the Delavan Extension, Delavan Cro-Knits, Threads of Love, and the Tazewell County Farm Bureau Prime Timers. Ruth volunteered for many  community organizations, including the Delavan Grade School for 15 years, where she was affectionately referred to as “Grandma Ruth.”

Her funeral will be at 11:00 am Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Delavan United Methodist Church.  Pastor David Kelly will officiate.  Visitation will be from 10:00 to 10:45 am Thursday at the church.  Burial will be in Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.

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