Ruth Elizabeth Bamford went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 22, 2023.

Ruth was born February 26, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan to the late George and Evelyn Bamford (nee Wrighton). She is preceded in death by each of her siblings, brother George who was killed in Europe during World War II, sisters Jessie Soper, Beatrice Stucky and Lois Yungton.

Ruth and her family grew up in Detroit, Michigan where she attended McCullough Elementary, Durfee Junior High and Cass Technical High School. She continued her education at Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, graduating with the "Nifty Class of Fifty."   After college, Ruth returned to Michigan to teach music in the Troy, Michigan schools. Music had already been a big part of Ruth's life, playing violin since she was ten, and playing piano and singing at Highland Park Baptist Church, Highland Park, Michigan. During these years Ruth (Bambi) became involved in a leadership role in the Pioneer Girls camps in Michigan and Pennsylvania. After earning a master's degree from Michigan State University, Ruth moved to Oak Park, Illinois and worked as Counselor and Choir Director at West Suburban Hospital School of Nursing, Oak Park, Illinois.   In 1970 Ruth went to Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois to take a position in the Student Development Office. She served as Associate Dean of Students until her retirement in 1996, as Dean of Student Programs. Ruth enjoyed her alumni experiences at Honey Rock Camp for many years. In 2007, Ruth moved into the Covenant Living Windsor Park community where she got involved in several resident leadership roles and took part in numerous activities.

Ruth loved worshiping at First Presbyterian Church in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. She played her violin with the praise team, served as Elder for youth and evangelism, and taught women's bible study groups. Ruth shared her testimony throughout her life. She wanted everyone to know of God's love and mercy freely offered to all for the forgiveness of sin.

Ruth will be profoundly missed by her friends and neighbors and her surviving family which includes eight nieces and nephews, eighteen great and twenty-three great great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn, 550 N Main St, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed using this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-D4p50yXw18

In memory of Ruth, memorial contributions can be directed to Windsor Park Benevolent Fund, Wheaton College, or First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn.