Clarke, Ruth M., 92, of Chicago, formerly of Evanston, died on May 29, 2016, peacefully in her sleep. A loving and devoted mother, she is survived by daughter Patricia, and four sons Dave Clarke and Teresa Beaman, Paul Clarke and Helen Wang, Bob and Beth, and John and Bonnie. Loving grandmother of Kevin, Charlotte, Meredith, Will, Allie, and Cameron. Dear sister of Lorraine Baron (late husband Larry) and Herbert "Bud" Kirch (late wife Willy) and late siblings Phil Kirch, Jim Kirch, and Dorothy Jean Brock and their respective late spouses Dorothy, Mary, and Bob.  Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews, with special thanks to Linda Redick and Margaret Kirch Cohen. Former husband the late William Clarke. Born to Albert and Helen Kirch in Winona, MN.

Ruth graduated from Alvernia HS in Chicago in 1941. At Alvernia, Ruth and 9 friends formed a club to do activities together and then met at least annually for 75 years!

Ruth's mother, Helen, started taking her to Cubs games in 1935 on Ladies Days and Ruth quickly became an avid fan. In 1967, Ruth started taking her kids to Cubs games, passing her affliction to her children. In 1968, when her five children were ages 7 to 17, Ruth started at Washington National Insurance Company in Evanston, working her way up the ranks to position of Treasurer's Assistant and retiring after 22 years.

Evanston was the perfect place to raise her children, work, and be involved with the St. Nicholas parish community. Ruth lived in Evanston for 41 years and then moved to Resurrection Retirement Community in Chicago, wishing she had moved sooner. She totally enjoyed the new relationships she formed there and the active life she led. The family wishes to thank the Presence Resurrection residence and medical community for the support and care that Ruth received.

Ruth generously volunteered her time throughout her life, first in high school at an orphanage, at the VA Hospital during WWII, and continuing with the PTA, the Cub Scouts as a den mother, and at St. Francis Hospital after retiring. Ruth enjoyed bridge, Scrabble, and all kinds of card games where she was competitive in a most pleasant way. She loved dancing, reading, theater, music, and chocolate. Civic responsibility was also important to her. She wrote letters to several Presidents and other national political figures, offering them advice and gentle feedback.

Ruth lived her life in an exemplary fashion, inspired by her faith. She was kind, patient, caring, dignified, generous in spirit and words, non-judgmental, and hard working.  Ruth was a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, godmother, aunt and great aunt, and a loyal friend to her large circle of friends.

Visitation Friday, June 17 will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 7211 W. Talcott Ave from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass, 11:00 a.m.  Inurnment at St. Adalbert Cemetery. A luncheon for family and friends will follow the inurnment. In lieu of flowers, a donation would be appreciated to the National MPS Society in memory of Ruth's grandniece Allison Rose Kirch, www.mpssociety.org or mailing address: P.O. Box 14686, Durham, NC 27709.      773-774-3232 or www.kolbusmayfh.com