Ruth Mae Piper, 95, of New London, died Friday, October 24, 2025, at New London Specialty Care. She was born November 1, 1929, in Dallas City, Illinois, to Harry Prescott and Esther Alma Muenzenmaier Martin. On June 3, 1951, she married Charles Edward Piper at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, and he died September 25, 1993.
Ruth was a 1948 graduate of Dallas City High School and a 1949 graduate of Burlington Beauty Academy. She worked as a nurse’s aide for over 40 years, retiring from Park Place in Mt. Pleasant. She was a member of the New London Presbyterian Church, was an avid gardener, loved flowers, yard work and antiques.
Ruth is survived by two daughters, Pam (Reggie) Williamson of New London and Jane (Greg) Hoel of Benton, Wisconsin; daughter-in-law Gerry Piper MacKaben; ten grandchildren, Staci Moore, Jess Williamson, Brittony Cummings, Piper Williamson, Nicole Maloney; Justin, Daniel, Michael, Samuel and Kurtis Edwards; twenty great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; one brother Lester Martin of Burlington and one sister Maxine Conn of Nauvoo, Illinois. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son Hal Piper; one great-granddaughter Nora Moore; and two brothers Harold and Robert Martin.
According to her wishes, her body will be cremated, and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
A memorial has been established for the New London Fire and Rescue.
Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com