Ruth Anne

McNew

Ruth Anne McNew, 88, of Genoa, Illinois, passed away on November 11, 2026. 

Born on November 16, 1937, in Sycamore, Illinois, Ruth lived a life marked by devotion to family, faith, service, and the many moments that brought people together. She will be remembered with deep affection by those whose lives she touched over the years. Ruth devoted much of her professional life to NIU Health Service, where she worked as a secretary, and where she had earned her master’s degree many years prior. 

Her life was also shaped by the joy of raising five children and helping raise countless grandchildren. She was blessed to see five generations, a testament to the lasting family legacy she helped build and nurture. Outside of work, Ruth found happiness in gardening, traveling, hiking, spending time with family, and attending the opera. She also loved sharing stories and creating memories, especially on the countless vacations that became part of her family’s story. 

Ruth will be remembered for her unwavering love, her passion for nursing, as well as the strength and warmth she brought to those around her. She was the life of the party with her granddaughters, the glue that held everyone together, and was tough as nails. 

She is survived by her sons William (Billy) and Richard (Rick) McNew; daughters Cassandra (Candy) McNew and Roxanne (Roxy) (John) Hill (McNew); granddaughters Melissa McNew, Jennifer (Josh) Buck, Heather Tomlinson, Kimberly Hill, Christine McNew, Amanda (Matthew) Hill-Russie, and Sylvia (Jeremy Williams) Hill; grandsons Michael McNew and Kaleb McNew; great-grandchildren Kaylee, Lexie, Natalie, Brianna, Lakota, Bailey, Devin, Kaydynce, Jayden, Lillian, Xzavier, Peyton, Marcus, Talula, Kiah, Alex, and Mikey and great-great grandmother to Jack.

She was preceded in death by her eldest son Edward (Eddie), husband Leonard McNew, mother & father Edward Alan & Bertha (Rich) Garbbert, sister Helen Sutherland-Bright, brother Alan Edward, daughter in laws Linda & Connie McNew. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date and time.

Ruth was loved fiercely and will be missed dearly.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com