Ruby M. (Hoge) Matteson

Age 80, of Morris, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Lightways Hospice in Joliet, surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on January 10, 1944, in Morris, Illinois, Ruby was the daughter of Karl and Myrtle Jerine (Thompson) Hoge. She graduated from Serena High School with the Class of 1962. On January 18, 1964, she married the love of her life, Kenneth E. Matteson, after meeting on a blind date and marrying just two months later. Their love story spanned over six decades, and they would have celebrated their 61st anniversary in January 2025.

Ruby was known for her spunky personality, radiant smile, generous heart, and unwavering love for her family. She was especially proud of her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her passions included gardening, tending to her flower beds, feeding the birds, and doting on her beloved cats. Ruby found great joy in the kitchen, becoming affectionately known as the local Lefsa and Kringla lady, often baking for family and friends.

A woman of deep compassion, Ruby was always helping those in need. She donated her time to local food pantries, regularly restocking the community pantries outside the Morris Library and Grundy County Administration Building. She also volunteered with various local charities, embodying a spirit of kindness and service.

Ruby devoted over 46 years of her life to driving a school bus for the Morris and Minooka school districts. She also worked as a hostess at R-Place and Golden Flame restaurants in Morris, where she shared her warmth and hospitality with the community.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Kenneth E. Matteson of Morris; two daughters, Lisa J. (Ed) Oppenlander of Morris, and Wendy J. (Ken) Briley of Minooka; grandchildren, Tasha and Mike Saltzman of Seneca, Deven and Pete Mireles of Evans, Colorado, David and Shelby Romines of Morris, and bonus grandson Ken Briley Jr. (Ashley) of Ransom. Ruby was blessed with five cherished great-grandchildren: Avery, Drake, Ryann, Selene, and Holly, and three beloved bonus great-grandchildren: Kenzie, Addy, and Blakley, and her brother, Bill (Joan) Hoge of Lakeland, Florida.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; Karl and Myrtle Jerine Hoge; sister Ruth and brother-in-law, Gordon Jameson.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Fruland Funeral Home, 121 West Jefferson Street in Morris on Saturday, June 21, 2025 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Ruby will be privately laid to rest in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Ruby’s memory to Shriner’s Hospital for Children or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneralHome.com to sign the guest book, upload photpgraphs and share Ruby’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-0700)