Ruth Fox, 96, of Celina and formerly of Rockford, passed away peacefully May 28, 2013.

She was born Aug. 10, 1916, in Mt. Morris, Pa., to Cassius and Mary Jeffries Wade. She lived most of her married life in Rockford with her husband, Raymond "Boss" Fox, who preceded her in death May 4, 1993.

Survivors are her son, Jim; her daughter-in-law, Phyllis of Celina; three grandchildren, Sue (Dan) Siebert of Celina, Dave (Keeta) Fox of Louisville, Ky., and Joe (Angie) Fox of Laughlin, Nev.; three great-grandchildren, Matt Siebert, Eric Siebert and Josh Fox; a brother, Marion Wade of Mt. Morris, Pa.; three nieces, Bridget (Greg) Montgomery, Naomi (Floyd) Sankey and Marlene (Herschel) Mathews; and several great nephews.

She retired from Reynolds & Reynolds in Celina after 17 years. She never complained and always found something to enjoy about each day. Until the age of 94, Ruth cleaned the Rockford laundromat beside her house and was a tireless worker at K of C Bingo each Sunday and Tuesday evening. She also enjoyed helping at the Immaculate Conception Festival every year. She rode her bicycle around Rockford each day and kept a spotless home. In her younger days, she played second base on a women's professional softball team for over two years; it was one of the earliest women's professional teams.

After suffering a stroke in 2011, she moved to an apartment down the street from her son and daughter-in-law. With their help, she was able to continue living independently. She loved sitting on her front porch each day. Even when temperatures dropped to the freezing point, she could be seen rocking in her chair, waving to the neighbors as they came and went. Until the day before her death, she continued to enjoy her life. She went for daily walks, watched her game shows and went out to eat with her family. She never stopped smiling and was grateful for all the blessings that came her way.

She was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all.

Funeral services are 4:30 p.m. Friday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, the Rev. Chip Steffy officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.

Calling is 2-4:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to Immaculate Conception school.

Condolences may be left at ketchamripley.com.