Ruth M. Pedigo

Ruth M. Pedigo, age 98, of Monmouth, passed away at 4:00 a.m., Friday, April 20, 2012 at the Clarissa Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, Ia. Ruth Margaret Yenerich Pedigo was born August 11, 1913, in a house in "Four Mile Grove," southwest of Paw Paw, Illinois, to Lawson G. and Clara M. Yenerich. Her older sister Muriel walked with Ruth daily to a one-room schoolhouse from their farm "Edgewood." For high school, her dad took her in the horse and wagon to Paw Paw, where she boarded with the Nangle family during the school week, and took piano lessons with Mrs. Nangle. She also recalled riding in the horse drawn sleigh with the sound of the sleigh bells jangling in the cold, frosty air on winter weekends. Ruth attended Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL, majoring in music and English. When she graduated in 1934 she secured a position teaching English and music in Richmond, IL. She returned to IWU to earn a Master's Degree in Music. Subsequently in 1936, she was hired as the public school music teacher in Monmouth, teaching grades 1 through 12; she taught in each of the grade schools, the junior high school, and the high school-walking to all the schools. Her position as choir director of the First Baptist Church gave her the opportunity to meet Harold Pedigo, the love of her life. After marriage in Dixon, IL on June 10, 1941, they settled down to married life in Monmouth. At the time married women were not allowed to teach in the public schools, but when Harold joined the United States Army just after Pearl Harbor was attacked, he was sent to Hawaii for 3 years. During that difficult separation, Ruth reapplied for her teaching position in Monmouth and was rehired. When Harold returned, their family grew with the birth of their children--Carol, James, and Julia. They spent the rest of their lives together in Monmouth until Harold's death in 2009. After Harold's death, Ruth moved to Silvis, IL to be near her children--Carol and Jim. Ruth was a member of AAUW, Retired Teachers Association, New Century Club, and Sigma Alpha Iota-a music fraternity for women. Ruth taught private piano and voice lessons in her home to many community members. Many in Monmouth, including her children, benefited from her love of music and history. Ruth was the choir director at First Baptist Church, Monmouth for over 40 years. After the dissolution of First Baptist, she and Harold attended Faith United Presbyterian Church regularly. She was a talented seamstress, embroiderer, cook, pen pal and friend. Ruth and Harold enjoyed traveling--including family camping trips encompassing the entire United States. The trips were full of cultural, historical, geographical, and natural destinations and were an education for the whole family. Of course, the trips included singing in the car and learning a vast array of songs. An appreciation of music, nature, history, and religion governed her entire life. Both Ruth and Harold touched many lives. Ruth is survived by her three children Carol Pedigo Phoenix of Bettendorf, IA; James D. Pedigo (Lynne) of East Moline, IL; and Julia A. Pedigo of Boone, NC; by three grandchildren: Clinton W. Pedigo of Macomb, IL; Sarah (Shane) Sorrill of Morrisonville, IL; and Lucas W. Pedigo (Melinda) of Fort Campbell, KY; and seven great-grandchildren: Abigayle and Abraham Pedigo; Wade and Case Sorrill; and Grace, Lucas, Jr., and Nicholas Pedigo. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, sister Muriel Mattox, and both parents. Services:A graveside committal of her ashes will be on Saturday April 28, 2012 at the Ottawa Avenue Cemetery in Ottawa, Illinois at 11:00 am. A memorial fund has been established for the Ruth Yenerich Pedigo Vocal Music Endowment Fund of the Monmouth-Roseville Education Foundation.