Ruthie L. Young

Ruthie Lee (nee Sago) Young was the first-born child to the union of John Sago Sr. and Daisy Lee (nee Spruell) Sago on March 5, 1948, in Morgan City, Mississippi.  

As the firstborn, Ruthie was like a second mother to her siblings, as babysitting was a part of her daily chores, along with tending the farm she lived on for most of her childhood in Greenville, Mississippi.  However, when the chores were finished, reading books was her favorite pastime because they made her feel inspired, educated and entertained.

Ruthie was educated at Norma C. O’Bannon High School and attended various programs at Joliet Junior Community College. 

Ruthie was married to Clarence Young Jr. on September 1, 1967, and was blessed with three children, Donald, Dexter, and April. 

She was baptized at an early age and was a part of many ministries throughout her lifetime. In the most recent years, she became an honorary member at Grace Fellowship Baptist Church in Joliet, Illinois. But was a life-long member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Lockport, Illinois.

Ruthie enjoyed a long and successful work life. She was employed at various companies in the Will County community, such as Uniroyal, Western Electric, Honeywell/Alliant Tech Systems, and ultimately retiring from Panduit Corporation in 2011.  

Ruthie was known for her quiet nature, being kind and thoughtful.  She had many hidden talents and hobbies, as she loved jazz music, journaling, working on crossword puzzles and watching game shows.  She baked the best pies and desserts, made clothes and knitted blankets for her children, enjoyed traveling and the opportunities to reminisce with friends and family at reunions, celebrations, community events and church gatherings.     

Ruthie was loved by many and showed loved by serving her community and forming various sisterhoods.  Over the years, she volunteered and belonged to many organizations, such as the NAACP, Will County Crisis Center, American Business Women Association, JACOB/Lebanon District, Rialto Square Theatre, Second Baptist Senior Outreach Ministry, St. Joseph Medical Center, Grace Women’s Ministry, the Birthday Group and Bosom Buddies.

Ruthie, also affectionally known as Rudy, was a fighter, and endured a courageous battle with her health until God called her home on July 30, 2024, with her family by her side. She loved God, was a faithful daily servant, and was thankful for everyday and gracefully lived for 76 years.  She enjoyed a full life and is now peacefully resting in the presence of God.    

Ruthie was preceded in death by her father, John Sago Sr.; two brothers, Willie and Johnny Sago; two sisters, Rose Crump and Charlene Sago. 

In her passing, she’ll forever be cherished by: two faithful sons, Donald D. Young and Dexter D. Young; one devoted daughter, April J. (Travis) Penson; a loving and praying mother, Daisy L. Sago; three powerful brothers, John (Judy) Sago Jr., Walker Sago, and Arthur (Sophia) Crump; three loyal sisters, Ethel Harrison, Belvia Sago and Martha Sago; three nurturing aunts, Ruthie Mae Spruell, Estella Moten, and Ora Lee Jones; one cheerful uncle, Levi “Peter” Spruell.  A host of beautiful nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends.    

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