Ruth Hotham

Ruth Hotham (nee Poulsen), 99, loving wife of Steve Hotham, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2009. She was preceded in death by her husband, Steve; her parents, Rasmus and Christianna Poulsen; her brothers, Rasmus, Fred, Rudolf, John and Alex; and her sisters, Gene Hansen, Grace Ray, Esther Peters and Alice Erickson. She began her working career with Fieldcrest Mills at the age of twelve folding handkerchiefs and soon went into the office with payroll and bookkeeping. She continued in its employ until its closing in the early 1950's. She then became employed with Zion State Bank as head bookkeeper until her retirement. All who were touched by Ruthie over the almost ten decades of her life felt her caring, generous, thoughtful and loving warmth. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews and great-grand-nieces and great-grand-nephews who mourn the loss of her. She was a tremendous inspiration and role model for all the knew her. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 20, 2009, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at the CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. at the Congdon Funeral Home with Pastor Cheryl Esbrook of Memorial United Methodist Church officiating. Private interment will be later at Pineview Memorial Park in Beach Park. In lieu of flowers, donations to Memorial United Methodist Church would be encouraged.