Ruth Ann Chandler

Ruth Ann Chandler, born on September 12, 1943, in Joiner, Arkansas, was the beloved daughter of Rev. Jeff Chandler and Elnora Robinson Chandler. She lived a life deeply rooted in faith, love, and service to others, leaving a lasting impact on her family, friends, and community. 

Ruth’s early years in the South laid the foundation for her journey, which later brought her to Joliet, Illinois, and then Lockport, Illinois. She attended Fairmont School and Lockport High School before pursuing further education at Joliet Junior College, always striving to better herself and the world around her. 

Ruth accepted Christ at a young age, a decision that guided her throughout her life. Under the leadership of the late Pastor Robert Lee Dorris at Prayer Tower Church of God in Christ, she grew in her faith and later moved her membership to Refuge Mission United Holiness Church. There, she became an active and dedicated member, serving faithfully in the choir and as an usher. Ruth’s heart was always with the church and its ministry, finding joy in work and worship. 

Professionally, Ruth worked at the Boston Store in Joliet, IL, where she began her career in key punch operations. She then moved to Illinois Bell, where she dedicated many years of service before retiring. But Ruth’s legacy wasn’t just in her work; it was in the love she poured into her family, friends, and community. She had a heart that gave without reservation, always seeking ways to bless others. Her joy came from buying gifts for her nieces and nephews, lifting others up, and sharing the goodness of God through ministry videos and heartfelt testimony. 

Though Ruth’s health declined over time, she never wavered in her faith, often testifying of God’s goodness and grace. Her life was a living testament to the power of love, service, and the faith that carried her through every season. 

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Jeff Chandler and Elnora Robinson Chandler, as well as her brothers, William, Jeff, Floyd, and Richard Chandler, and sisters, Lena Alexander, Coretta Coleman, and Patricia Dillard. She was also preceded by her niece, Kimberly D. Edmon, and nephews Nathaniel Chandler, Scott Chandler, and Darryl Chandler. 

Ruth leaves behind a loving family, including her siblings: Ernestine (Billy, Sr.) Hamilton of Lockport, IL; Alfred (Carol) Chandler of San Antonio, TX; Reverend Janette Kotey of Huntsville, AL; and Denise (Bishop Leroy) Lane of Benton Harbor, MI; two sisters-in- law:  Janice Chandler of Austin, TX; Sharon Millsap of Griffin, GA. She is also survived by her special niece, Jeannette Hamilton-Bonner, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will cherish her memory. 

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Nurse Gretta Jones and the Joliet Lightways Hospice team for their care and support during Ruth’s illness. Her legacy of kindness, faith, and love will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Ruth’s life was a beautiful reflection of God’s love, and though she will be greatly missed, her spirit and the memories she created will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth Ann Chandler, please visit our floral store.