Lila Ruth Baxter (Hall), 92, Monroe Center, passed away peacefully, at home, on Saturday, June 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Ruth was born on April 20, 1934, in Lindenwood, Illinois, to Lawrence and Lila J. (Brown) Hall. She grew up on a farm outside Monroe Center and graduated from Monroe Center High School in 1952. At age 15, she met the love of her life, Jerold “Jerry” Baxter, at a dance in Fairdale. They were married on October 5, 1952, at Monroe Center Methodist Church. A woman of faith, Ruth joined her husband’s church, New Milford United Methodist, in 1953, and became an active and devoted member.

Together, Ruth and Jerry raised four children and shared a life filled with family celebrations, reunions, cruises, and travel throughout North America. They visited 49 states, Canada, and Mexico before Jerry’s untimely passing on November 7, 1993, after 41 years of a marriage made in heaven.

Ruth continued traveling throughout Europe with family and friends, accompanying her daughter on a trip to Norway, where she met cousins, toured the family homestead, church and cemetery of her grandparents. She also met her Norwegian 1950’s high school pen pal.

She was employed as a bookkeeper at Pierce Packaging for 25 years. She volunteered at Rockford Memorial Hospital for 35 years. Ruth was an avid reader, knitter and crocheter, donating hundreds of items to NICU, schools and various charitable organizations. Whenever her children needed a baby gift, she would knit a beautiful baby afghan.

Ruth married Wayne Blunck on December 27, 2003. Together they spent time with family and friends, playing cards and traveling. For her 80th birthday, she rented an ocean front home on the Isle of Palm, SC, where her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild could celebrate together. Family meant everything to Ruth. Her motto was: when my children are happy, I’m happy…they are my whole life!

Ruth is survived and dearly missed by her husband Wayne; her sons, Michael (Dana), Ft. Myers, FL, Steven (Karen), Rockton, David (Nicole), Rockford; her grandchildren, Kelli (Matt), Erica, Blake (Jessica), Lucas (Alexandra), Charlie (Michael), Danny (Rachel), Madison and Evan. She was ‘Grandma the Great’ to Caleb, Nolan, Thomas, Emily, Henry, Presley, Murphy and Gilda Ruth and much-loved niece, Diana; her sister-in-law, Karen (Hall) Stade, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her parents; her sister, Verla (Ralph) Johnson; her brothers, Wayne (Shirley) Hall, Delbert (Hannah) Hall, and Bart Hall; her nephews Delbert Hall and Keith Hall.

Ruth’s family is deeply grateful to everyone who visited and helped care for her, especially the dedicated Serenity Home and Hospice staff, who kept her comfortable and pain-free, and the Visiting Angels caregivers, Melissa, Aliah, Stacy, Kate, and Elvia. With their support, Ruth was able to fulfill her wish to pass peacefully in her home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the North Church in Monroe Center. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL In lieu of flowers please consider a donation the Serenity Home and Hospice or to the Monroe Fire Department. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com. 

Private burial following service.