June 3, 1928 – October 8, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ruth Marks, age 97, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on June 3, 1928, to the late Dan and Maggie Ingram.
On March 3, 1950, she was united in marriage to Bennie Marks Jr., and together they created a wonderful life, raising their six children.
Ruthie spent many years dedicated to serving others through her work. She brought her skills to Jockey International, where she worked as a seamstress. In addition, she worked as a dietician at the VA Hospital in North Chicago, where she cared deeply about the well-being and nutrition of veterans. Later. Her strong work ethic and attention to detail earned her the respect of colleagues and supervisors alike.
Ruthie had a green thumb and took great pride in her garden, where she lovingly cultivated a wide array of fruits and vegetables. Her passion didn’t stop at growing; she also became known for her expert canning skills, preserving everything she grew to share with family, neighbors, and friends.
She was also a gifted cook, and her kitchen was a place of generosity and warmth. Every holiday season, Ruthie prepared meals for those less fortunate, ensuring that no one in her community went without a home-cooked dinner. Her peach cobbler was legendary, a sweet tradition that everyone eagerly anticipated year after year.
Ruthie’s love for sewing was another expression of her giving spirit. She handcrafted beautiful quilts, each one stitched with care and intended as a heartfelt gift for family and loved ones. These creations became cherished heirlooms, symbols of her love and dedication.
Deeply involved in her community, Ruthie was committed to public service. She volunteered her time and energy to support local Kenosha aldermen and mayoral dignitaries, often assisting behind the scenes to help her city thrive. Her civic engagement reflected her belief in service and her desire to see her neighborhood flourish.
Her church family at Second Baptist Church held a special place in her heart. Ruthie worked in the church kitchen, served in the Mission Ministry, and held the position of President of the Nurses’ Guild. She was affectionately known as “Aunt Ruthie” by everyone in the congregation, a testament to her nurturing spirit and her ability to make each person feel like family.
In her later years, Ruthie remained active as a proud member of the Ethnic Elders Club in Kenosha, where she found joy in fellowship, culture, and continued community involvement.
She had a unique way of making everyone feel special and loved, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched. Ruthie leaves behind her daughters, Ollie Marks and Pattee Marks Graves; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Ruthie was preceded in death by four children, eight siblings, and two grandchildren.
The service may be viewed via livestream on the following link (Second Baptist Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/SBCKenosha/). You do not need Facebook to watch.
Interment will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.
