Rev. Orrell C. Ruth

Rev. Orrell Charles Ruth, 84, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away Monday, March 21, 2022.  He was born  November 13, 1937 in Elgin, IL to Charles and Jennie (nee Maule) Ruth. He grew up in Hampshire, IL and was a graduate of Hampshire High School, North Central College '59 and The Evangelical Theological Seminary '63.  He obtain his Certificate of Licensure to preach on June 19,1957 and was ordained a pastor of The Evangelical United Brethren Church on June 19, 1963.  He was a member of the Zion Church in Hampshire, IL and served the following parishes:  First United Methodist Church of Belvidere 1959, Grace Church Logan Square 1961, Alexis-Henderson 1963, Atwood Heights Christ Church Alsip 1965, Bethel-Christ Parish 1970, First United Methodist Church Freeport 1974, First United Methodist Church Ottawa 1979, Grace United Methodist Church Lake Bluff 1989, Our Redeemer's United Methodist Church Schaumburg 1995, and The United Protestant Church Grayslake 1999.

He met his wife Marcia while serving as the assistant pastor and they were married on August 19, 1962 in Belvidere, IL. He loved baseball and was a lifelong Phillies fan. He enjoyed the hobby of raising and racing homing pigeons for many years and had a love of birds.  Orrell was a dedicated pastor, devoted and loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.  He loved his life's work sharing God's love with everyone he met.  His favorite phrase was "God Loves You and So Do I"

Rev. Orrell is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Rajeev) Ruth-Daniel; and his siblings, Orris (Val) of Hampshire and Carlyn Rothlisberger of Perrysburg, OH.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcia Neufer Ruth; his daughter, Gisele Ruth; and his parents.

A visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Thursday, March 24, 2022 from 3:00pm until 7:00pm.  A funeral service will be held at United Protestant Church of Grayslake, 54 S Whitney Street, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Friday, March 25, 2022 at 10:00am.  Interment will be held at Hampshire Cemetery in Hampshire, IL.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the United Protestant Church of Grayslake or your local church. For information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org .