Published on January 12, 2026 9:49 am
Last Updated on January 12, 2026 9:49 am
Ruth Ellen Hawn, age 93, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 8:19 PM – Friday, January 9, 2026, at Helia Healthcare of Newton.
A service celebrating Ruth Ellen’s life will be held at 12:00 PM – Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the Newton Christian Church, in Newton, Illinois, with Rick Britton officiating. The burial will be in Vanderhoof Cemetery in rural Newton, Illinois. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 AM until service time. In loving memory of Ruth Ellen, memorials may be made to Newton Christian Church. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Ruth Ellen was born on January 25, 1932, in Newton, Illinois, the daughter of Ralph W. and Edna (Kingsley) Davis. She married John C. Hawn on July 3, 1947, in Piggott, Arkansas, and he preceded her in passing on September 2, 2008.
A woman of many talents, she found joy in the simple beauty of life—whether she was meticulously embroidering a keepsake, sewing for her family, or preparing a favorite meal in her kitchen.
Ruth Ellen was a member of the Newton Christian Church; her faith was the cornerstone of her life; she spent countless peaceful hours reading her Bible and found God’s handiwork in nature while fishing.
Ruth Ellen is survived by-
Daughters- Marilyn (Max) Tonn and Carol (Greg) Rubsam both of Newton, Illinois
Grandchildren- Danny Tonn of Greenup, Illinois; Matt Rubsam of Glenview, Illinois; Mike (Abbie) Tonn of Newton, Illinois; Stacey Rubsam of Newton, Illinois and Kevin Rubsam of Hebbronville, Texas
Great-grandchildren- Jenna Tonn, Keyton Tonn, Christina Rubsam, Kayne Tonn, Trevor Tonn, Brielle Tonn, Blake Tonn, Koby Tonn and Madison Tonn
Great grandson- Briggs Tonn
Sister- Betty McComas of South Carolina
Sister-in-law- Caryl Davis of Homewood, Illinois
Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Ruth Ellen was preceded in passing by her parents, husband, son LaVerl Eugene Hawn, sister Vera Mae Coleman, brother Burt Davis, brothers-in-law Rex Coleman and Charles McComas.