Ruth E. Whipps

Ruth E Whipps, a devoted wife, hardworking mother, and loving grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on June 3rd at the age of 96. She was born on April 23, 1929, in Meyer, Illinois, the daughter of Ray W. and Helen F. (McNay) McClelland. On February 9, 1952, she married Leonard Whipps in Quincy, Illinois. He preceded her in death on November 3, 2004.

Ruth graduated from Unity High School in 1947. She led a life full of dedication—both at home and in her professional life. She worked alongside her husband Leonard on their farm, raising Duroc hogs, and also contributed as an employee at Motorola, an Avon representative, and a bookkeeper at Middendorf Lumber in Ursa. Ruth was known for her strong work ethic and endless energy.

Gardening was one of Ruth’s great passions, and she took pride in her yard and her harvests—so much so that she even entered her popcorn seeds in the county fair. She enjoyed being outside and maintaining her lawn.

Ruth and Leonard shared a love of music and dancing, especially to Glen Miller and Tom Dorsey, and enjoyed traveling together extensively after retirement.

Family was always at the center of Ruth’s life. She grew up in a large, close-knit family and carried that love into her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. She cherished every moment spent with her three granddaughters, from buying them matching Easter dresses to Thanksgiving trips to proudly attending their events in Iowa. When the great-grandchildren arrived, Ruth’s joy only grew. Her face lit up with every visit, and she adored holding each new baby.

Small but mighty, Ruth had the biggest heart and the best laugh. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unforgettable memories.

Ruth is survived by her son, Wayne Whipps of Cedar Falls, Iowa; grandchildren, Valerie (Brent) Bovy, Kristen (Dan) Schrock, and Kelly (Nick) Jans all of Dike, Iowa; great-grandchildren, Logan, Emarie, and Lincoln Bovy; Landon, Remi, Lily, and Tate Schrock; Talon, Navy and Brooks Jans; brothers, Lowell (Barb) McClelland of Quincy, Illinois and Dick McClelland of Phoenix, Arizona; sister, Sandra Fessler of Quincy; brother-in-law, Jerry Seals of Quincy, Illinois; and a sister-in-law, Pat McClelland of Quincy, Illinois. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Eric Whipps; brothers, Don (Cleone) McClelland, Ed (Loraine) McClelland, and Lyle McClelland; sisters, Thelma (Roger) Keim, Alma (Bus) Downs, Marion (Don) Tenhouse, and Pat Seals; brothers-in-law, Bill Fessler and Roger Keim; and sister-in-law, Rachel McClelland.

Funeral services for Ruth Whipps will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Triplett Funeral Home in Mendon, Illinois, with Pastor Larry Smith officiating. Burial will follow immediately at New Providence Cemetery near Ursa, Illinois.

Visitation will take place on Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of Ruth Whipps may be made to the Shriner's Hospital.