Ruth L. May of Montgomery, IL died Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at her home. Loving mother, grandmother, and cherished mother-in-law, she was 88 at the time of her passing. Born January 8, 1926 in Chicago, IL, Ruth graduated from Steinmetz High School where she and classmate Hugh Hefner were among those voted "Most Likely to Succeed." She later earned a degree from Northwestern University's School of Nursing. It was here, while completing her practicum hours that she met her husband, Robert May, who came into the emergency room with a broken leg. He was so immediately smitten with her good looks and caring demeanor that he pronounced he would marry her someday. They soon tied the knot on September 27, 1947 in Chicago and later settled in Aurora, IL. Many may remember Ruth from her days as a nurse at Copley Hospital. An avid reader, Ruth continued to learn every day of her life. One of Oswego Public Library's best patrons, Ruth checked out four to five books a week for more than 20 years. She loved reading about politics, history, religion, and most recently, modern Chinese society. To the end, she took courses through Waubonsee Community College's Lifelong Learning Institute and closely followed daily news programs to stay current on world events. Ruth travelled the world, spending time in Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China and South America. She also had many treasured memories of exploring the U.S. with her family during their many camping trips. Ruth's other great passion was genealogy; she spent over 40 years tracing the family's history and wrote a book detailing their life in early colonial America. She was intrigued with technology and purchased one of the first Apple II's. She surfed the net and connected with friends on Facebook until her last day. Ruth will be remembered for her vast intellect, fierce love of family, and loving compassion for all humanity. She always stressed the importance of being kind, no matter what the circumstances. Ruth is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Sharon) May of Channahon, daughter Jane (Robert) Thorsen of Oswego, daughter-in-law Dianna May, and grandchildren William Stapleton, Heather Thorsen, Kurt Thorsen and Taylor May. She was preceded in death by parents Robert Clark and Mae Elizabeth Shannon, brothers Robert Clark and Richard Clark, husband Robert F. May, and son Robert C. May. Ruth was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Geneva. There will be a celebration of Ruth's life on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at the DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY at 1801 Douglas Road in Oswego. Friends may gather at 9:30 a.m.; the service will begin at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ruth's name to the Oswego Public Library, 32 W. Jefferson St., Oswego, IL 60543. For additional information www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com or 630/554-3888.