89, of Macomb
Ruth (Dinkle) Dove, a lifelong educator and cherished member of the Macomb, Illinois community, passed away on November 18, 2025, at the age of 89, after a courageous seven-year illness. Born in Doylesburg, Pennsylvania, on April 26, 1936, to Ira and Elizabeth Dinkle, Ruth earned degrees from St. Mary’s Junior College, American University, and Louisiana State University, dedicating her career to special education and school administration. Her teaching and leadership touched the lives of countless students culminating in her role as director of the West Central Illinois Special Education Cooperative. A devoted community leader, Ruth served as president of the Lions Club, sang with the McDonough County Choral Society, and was a longtime board member of public television station WMEC. She is remembered for her compassion, grace, and unwavering commitment to education and service.
A memorial service for Ruth Dove will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1212 W. Calhoun Street, Macomb, Illinois 61455, on February 28th at 10 a.m. A second memorial for Ruth and her late husband, Lewis Dove, are tentatively planned for May 16th at Baldwin Memorial Methodist Church in Millersville, Maryland, where Ruth’s father once served as minister. Ruth and Lewis will be interred there alongside family members. She is survived by her sister, Emily Sherwood; her son, Steve; his wife, Cindy; their children, Heather and Nicholas Dove; and a large circle of extended family and friends who miss her dearly.
