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Ruth Pifer
Service Date:September 6th, 2011

Ruth E. Pifer Eureka-Ruth E. Pifer, 88, of Eureka, IL passed away at 11:14p.m.on Friday, September 2, 2011 at Maple Lawn Health Center in Eureka. She was born on February 17, 1923 in Wenona, IL a daughter of Lloyd and Eva Miller Parks. She married Maurice E. Pifer on June 19, 1949 in Wenona, IL. He survives. Also surviving are two sons, William Pifer of Eureka; Richard Pifer of Indianapolis, IN; one daughter, Lynn(John) Pifer-Ulrich of Corning, NY; three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents. She was a school teacher in the public school districts for 33 years. She began her teaching career at a one room school house north of Wenona, IL. She also taught at the West Chicago School District and Davenport Elementary School in Eureka. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, DAR-Daughters of the American Revolution, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, former board member of Eureka Public Library. She loved to play bridge, gardening, traveling . Ruth was a Laura Ingalls Wilder enthusiast and loved having morning coffee with the girls. She was a devoted teacher, wife, mother, grandmother. Ruth was a member of Eureka Presbyterian Church where funeral services will be held at 11:00a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. Pastor Nollan Harwood will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Tuesday at the church. Cremation will be accorded following services and burial will be at a later date at Olio Township Cemetery in Eureka. Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Eureka is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Eureka Presbyterian Church or Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.
  • From:  Ruth Glenn Wirt

    Mr Pifer and family: I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Pifer's passing. She was a lovely lady. The family of Rev. Jack Glenn sends condolences.

  • From:  Judy Feazel

    My sypmathy to your family. I have enjoyed knowing Mrs. Pifer for many years and her humor and knowledge was as individual to her as to anyone. It was an honor to have cared for and learned from her.

  • From:  John & Letha Byrne

    Our condolences to Maurice and family from fellow WCRTA members.

  • From:  Jerry and Sandi Garkey

    Morrie and family we are sending our love. Ruth was such and important part of our family. We loved her dearly. The boys loved giving her those hugs and her always having a kind and encouraging word for them. She never missed an important event of theirs. Teaching with Ruth was an awesome experience, not to mention all the morning cups of coffee at our counter with friends. So many memories. The dear memories of her will be with us always...our love goes out to you Morrie. Affectionately...The Garkey's Jerry, Sandi and family

  • From:  Joanie Glowacki

    Maury and Family, My sincere condolences are with you and your family. Ruth was one fine lady and I'm sure her sweet smile will be missed.

  • From:  Laurie Chapman

    Dear Maury & family, I teach in Ruth's old classroom at Davenport, now a 2nd grade classroom. I think of her often as I pull down the overhead screen & open/close windows. I'm really going to miss her when our 2nd graders go out to Maple Lawn to showcase our Monarch Songs & release butterflies. In past years, Ruth would be there in the front row, eyes sparkling when she saw the children come in to sing. She would always clap and sing along. Even with her memory loss, you could tell she still loved children! I hope that I will have such a positive effect on others through my teaching career. With deepest sympathy, Laurie & Dean Chapman & girls P.S. Dean always loved Ruth's pickles for Christmas.

  • From:  Margie and Walt Saunders

    Dear Maury and Family, Our sincere condolences to you on Ruth's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  • From:  Nicole Elzenga

    My sincere condolences for your loss. Mrs. Pifer will be dearly missed.

  • From:  Jill Martin

    Mr.Pifer and family. Was home in Eureka this past weekend and mom told me of Mrs. Pifer's passing. My condolences go out to you. I was a student of hers back in about 1975 for 3rd grade. You know sometimes you get asked about a special teacher in your life. Well, for me, Mrs. Pifer was that teacher. At first when I found out she was my 3rd grade teacher, I was scared as she had often been labeled a strict teacher. And while she was that, I found a teacher with a passion for teaching and children who was both very funny and disciplined. I remember learning my multiplication tables in her class, drilling over and over them under her guidance, studying all the US Presidents and feeling very honored that she let me represent Lincoln, and on a lighter note, how we would creat Valentine's Day boxes to bring in on that special day. Mrs. Pifer had a special gifr for recognizing those who truly wanted to learn and pushing them a little more. The basic skills I learned in her class have enabled me to become a successfull Microsoft software consultant and a student of the world in general, taking adventure travel trips and nurturing that curiousity that I developed in Mrs. Pifer's class. She is truly one of a kind and will be missed by all. God's peace to you all during this time.

  • From:  Rev Rusty & Becky Butler

    We enjoyed knowing her and send our best to her family.