Ruth Esther Gassman, 90, of Lena, Illinois, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday May 5, 2015. She was born on December 4, 1924, in Freeport, Illinois, the daughter of Archie and Mary (Fox) Solt. She married James Edward Gassman on January 11, 1946, at Pearl City Methodist Church. She was an avid quilter, enjoyed playing golf in Lena and in Florida during the winters. She also loved gardening and making pies.

She is survived by her husband, James; her sister, Phyllis Sitter of Sylvis, IL; daughter, Kalynn (John) Carlson of Oswego, IL; son Calvin Gassman of Lena; granddaughters Krista (Wade Lawson) Carlson of San Pedro, CA; Amber Gassman of Monroe, WI; grandson Timothy (Michelle Huebner) Carlson of Sasebo, Japan; and 5 great grandchildren, Ethan and Keegan Carlson of Japan; Cole and Devon Bornemeier and Mariah Siegenthaler of Monroe, WI.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Doris (David) Ebersole and a brother James (Alberta) Solt; a son, Stanley Gassman and a granddaughter Angela Carlson.

A funeral service will be held at Salem United Church of Christ, 8491 W Salem Road, Lena, IL, on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 11:00am, with visitation prior to the service from 9:00 am to 11:00am. Pastor Randy Nicholas will officiate.

Burial will be at the Salem Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be given to Salem United Church of Christ.