Ruth E. Navrodtzke (née Wentland), age 89, a beloved 25-year resident of Des Plaines, IL, and previously of Mt. Prospect and Chicago, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Glenview Terrace Rehab, where she was recovering from a recent hospitalization. Born on February 2, 1935, in Chicago, Ruth was the cherished daughter of Reinhold and Wanda Wentland. She grew up in a bilingual home, speaking both English and German, which served her well later in life when she met her husband. Her upbringing was built on a strong Christ-centered foundation, learning to trust in God for all things.

Ruth graduated from Kelvyn Park High School in Chicago, where she cultivated the values of hard work and faith that would define her life. It was at Foster Avenue Baptist Church that she met the love of her life, Robert Navrodtzke, a native of Brazil who also spoke German. Their shared faith and heritage drew them together, and on October 15, 1955, they were married, embarking on a lifetime of love and devotion. Robert and Ruth enjoyed 44 years of marriage before Robert passed away. Though she missed Robert greatly, Ruth was a strong woman who learned to navigate life without her loving husband at her side. In recent years, she longed more for the day they would be reunited.

The couple built their life in Chicago, where they raised their two daughters. Ruth was a dedicated and nurturing mother, known not only for lovingly driving her own children to school but also the neighborhood kids, always ready to help others. She served as the faithful church secretary at Foster Avenue Baptist Church for many years, earning the affectionate nickname "Mrs. Nav" from the congregation. Later in life, she worked for Dr. Anderson, a respected local dentist, where her kindness and reliability left a lasting impression on patients and colleagues alike. When grandchildren entered the picture in 1990, Ruth became their super-fan, attending any and all games, school events, and performances. She even accompanied the family to London when her grandson Mark's high school orchestra was chosen to perform there in 2008.

Ruth inherited her mother's talent for sewing, a skill she took great pride in. Whether creating garments or mending a loved one's clothes, she carried her mother's legacy in every stitch. Perhaps it was her father's musical influence that allowed Ruth to learn to play the piano. She also sang occasionally for church services, mostly duets, and performed in many church plays during holidays and special events. Above all, Ruth was a people person, known for her sweet smile, warmth, and genuine love for others. She was often the last to leave any gathering, savoring every moment of fellowship with family and friends.

Ruth is survived by her loving daughters, Pamela (Ken) Schmalzer of Mt. Prospect, and Lori Navrodtzke of Arizona. She was the proud grandmother of two grandsons, Mark (Caitlin) Schmalzer and Jeff (Emily) Schmalzer, and the adoring great-grandmother of Ellie and Gracie. Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert, and her parents, Reinhold and Wanda Wentland.

Her kind heart, welcoming smile, and selfless spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A visitation will be held on Friday November 8,from 4:00 until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 until the time of a funeral service at 11:00 at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton. The service will be livestreamed beginning at 11:00 CST through this link: Funeral Service fro Ruth Navrodtzke . Interment will be held privately at Ridgewood Cemetery in Des Plaines, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Moody Radio, www.moodyradio.org
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