Obituary: Ruth Ann Richardson

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Ruth Ann Richardson

(nee Stassen)

Ruth Ann Richardson, age 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at her home in Joliet, surrounded by the love of her family. Ruth was born in Chicago Heights, IL, on February 27, 1938, a daughter of the late Elsie (nee Stender) and Harry Stassen.

She grew up in Green Garden Township on her family’s farm and graduated from Peotone High School in 1956. Ruth married George B. on August 20, 1960. Earlier in life, she worked for the Rust Craft Greeting Card Co. in Joliet, Amoco Chemicals Corp as a temporary administrator, and then for the Associated Anesthesiologists of Joliet, assisting with coding and billing. She was a member of Green Garden 4-H Snip and Snacks club, a former member of St Paul’s United Church of Christ in Monee, IL, Messiah Lutheran Church in Joliet, and Senior Services of Will County, helping with the newsletter.

Ruth enjoyed reading Amish novels, traveling with friends and family, decorating for the seasons and holidays, crafts, attending bingo and parties at the Senior Center, and anything chocolate. She took joy in her family gatherings on Sundays with dinner, scripture reading, and prayer.

Ruth is survived by her son, Dale Richardson; and her daughter, Diane (Charlie) Peterson.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, George B. Richardson (2025); by her parents, Harry (1972), and Elsie (2006) Stassen; siblings, Leon (1943) and Bette Jean Kusunis (2000).

The family would especially like to thank her caregivers, Jewell Cabe, who took care of her like she was her own mother, a cheerleader, friend, and closest confidant, and Penny Schweigel, who she adored and was family to her. Penny’s silliness and fun spirit brightened her days with laughter and made her feel special, especially on her spa days. As well as her exceptional Lightways hospice team, Chrissy, Jim, Justina, Brianna, and Kelly for all their excellent care.

Visitation for Ruth Ann Richardson will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 3:00 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 5:00 p.m. Interment will be held privately by the family at Woodlawn Memorial Park II.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care in Joliet.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her memorial tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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