Ruth A. Sederquist, 95, of Milan, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Avonlea Cottages in Milan.  Funeral services for Ruth will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at the Church of Peace UCC, Rock Island.  Visitation will be held from 9:30 until service time at church.  Conversations and sharing of memories may be continued at the luncheon immediately following the service in the fellowship hall at Church of Peace.  Burial will take place in Reynolds Cemetery following the luncheon.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of Church of Peace UCC, Rock Island.

Ruth was born on September 25, 1921 in rural Milan to Claus and Ida Bestian Franck.  She married Harold Sederquist on March 24, 1944 at Church of Peace.  He preceded her in death on December 22, 1968.

Ruth was a teacher for the Rockridge School District for many years, retiring in 1983.  She began her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse in Milan after attending Macomb State Teacher's College.  She earned a full scholarship by winning the school's essay writing competition.

In addition to her passion for teaching elementary school, Ruth sang in the church choir and was an avid bridge player and gardener.  She was  a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Andalusia Lodge and a past president of the Reynolds Women's Club.  Ruth loved living on the farm, caring for animals, watching the crops, weather and sunsets.  She also greatly enjoyed collecting antiques and crafting ceramics.

She was very proud of her family and loved going to their activities and seeing them perform.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Mary Kae (Paul) Waytenick, Milan, Thom (Gail) Sederquist, Orion and Rick (Gail) Sederquist, Taylor Ridge; grandchildren, Jessica Waytenick, Milan, Aaron Waytenick, Italy,  James (Katie Casey) Sederquist, Bettendorf, David (Callie) Sederquist, Bettendorf, Andy Sederquist, Sherrard and Michael Sederquist, Davenport; 3 great grandchildren and 1 on the way

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and her siblings