Ruby Marie (Beck) Iseman, 90, passed away on May 31, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois. Ruby was born on October 31, 1935, in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, daughter to Timothy Allen and B. Blanche (Huston) Beck.

Growing up, Ruby attended a one room school house through 6th grade. Once it came time for her secondary education, she took the long bus ride to Ford City every school day until 1954, where she graduated 7th in her class. Being in such a small, close-knit schoolhouse, and on the road often, Ruby developed a deep appreciation for a good book at an early age.

Furthering her educational journey, Ruby would go on to graduate from Indiana State Teachers College in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 1958. During college, Ruby made sure to enjoy her free time; she went out one night to a square dance, and she would happen upon her future husband, Walter Jack Iseman. They were married on May 31, 1958, in the chapel of Cochran’s Mill United Methodist Church.

At the time Walt was in the Air Force, so the newlyweds transitioned to Abilene, Texas, until his honorable discharge in 1959. From there, job opportunities for Walter moved the family to Rockford, Illinois. Their little family grew with four children, and in 1968 they moved to a farm outside of Monroe Center, IL. Ruby was busy at the farm with large gardens and the children. She shared her love of reading and outdoors, taking them to libraries and on many walks and bike rides.

Ruby was an excellent baker, making commercial worthy pies, breads and cookies. She was also an accomplished seamstress making many of her own and daughters clothing. She added quilting to her repertoire as the children got older.

In the 1980s Ruby and Walt rediscovered square dancing. They joined Collide-o-scopes square dance club, often attending dances four or fives times a week, Ruby of course sewed their coordinating outfits. They danced through the United States and even had an opportunity to square dance in Australia. Square dancing wasn’t the only chance for the pair to see the world, they also adventured in the British Isles, several European countries, South America, Australia and New Zealand.

When it was time to settle down, they made their final move to Wesley Willows back in Rockford, Illinois. Ruby would become well known in the Wesley Willows community for never missing her long walks, regardless of what the weather may bring. On November 26, 2025, after 67 wonderful years, Walt passed away. It is truly fitting that Ruby rejoined Walt on what would have been their 68th wedding anniversary.

Ruby will be missed by those who loved her most, her children Cynthia (David) Archer, Bethany Iseman, Thomas Iseman, and Janice (Andy) Smith her four grandchildren, Alice Archer, Iris (Mike) Jones, Matthew Smith, and Phillip Smith.

Thank you to the Wesley Willows community for your friendship, support and “Drinks on the Drive”. You added much joy to their final years.

A time to gather in honor of Ruby will take place on Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of funeral service, 2:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Avenue, Rockford, Illinois 61103. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com