Ruth Marie Buffington

Ruth M. Buffington, 84, of Rockford, passed away on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Swedish American Hospital after a short illness.  The daughter of the late Earl and C. Alberta (Sayers) Buffington, Ruth was born on July 29, 1933 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Growing up, Ruth and her family lived in approximately twelve different cities, where she attended nine different public and parochial schools.  Upon graduation from Bishop Muldoon High School, Ruth entered the Poor Clares of Corpus Christi Convent on August 22, 1953, where she came to be known as Sister Beatrice of the Immaculate Conception.  She was the first local woman to join the Poor Clares since their arrival in Rockford in 1916.  She had formerly been employed by Illinois National Bank in the Consumer Credit Department. 

Ruth was an avid crocheter.  All of her family members and many friends have her "signature" afghan -- some having multiple afghans in various sizes and colors.  For some time, Ruth and her good friend Donna Kopplin have created crocheted items for charity.  She always thought of others, donating to various charities and donating her time to deliver Meals on Wheels to residents of Park Towers.  She enjoyed playing Bingo with friends at Presence Saint Anne Center and looked forward to her weekly lunches with her good friend Mary Kay Seymour.  Mary Kay helped Ruth with so many things including preparing holiday goody bags for her family and friends and making store runs, when needed, for various items.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Saint Anne's for the care they provided to Ruth over the years. 

Ruth leaves behind one sister, Jan Adams; and one brother, Albert Buffington; as well as several nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by her parents; brother, Earl ("Lefty") Buffington; brother-in-law, Bob "RW" Adams; and sister-in-law, Sandy Buffington.

Funeral Mass to be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 30, 2018 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Avenue, Loves Park, IL. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Reception immediately following. 

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