Ruth Carolyn Grossman 92, of Macomb
Ruth Carolyn Grossman, 92, of Macomb, Illinois, passed away on July 24, 2026.
Ruth was born on October 9, 1933, at Phelps Hospital in Macomb, to Leonard and Loretta Ferne (Gilchrist) Westerdale.
She was the youngest of three children, joining her brother, Wallace, and sister, Grace. She was raised on the family farm near Tennessee, Illinois, and attended Hills Grove School before graduating from Western High School in Macomb in 1951.
Following high school, Ruth attended Central Bible Institute in Springfield, Missouri, where she studied Christian Education and graduated in 1954. After graduation, she worked for Scripture Press in Wheaton, Illinois, for several years before returning to Macomb.
On November 24, 1962, she married Arbon Gale Grossman. They welcomed their daughter, Gloria Diane, in 1967.
Ruth was employed by Western Illinois University for 34 years, serving from 1962 until her retirement in 1996.
While working full-time, she earned her Board of Governors Degree in 1991.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Loretta Westerdale; husband, Arbon Gale Grossman; brother, Wallace Westerdale; and stepson, Mark Grossman. She is survived by her daughter, Gloria Smith (Jeff) of Collinsville, Oklahoma; grandsons, Jeff (Gabrielle) Smith and Weston (Giovanna) Smith; and three great-granddaughters. She is also survived by her sister, Grace (Russell); a nephew; and nieces.
Ruth will be remembered for her unwavering faith, humble spirit, hard work, and love for her family.
A graveside service will be held Monday, August 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at Oakwood Cemetery in Macomb. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bible Engagement Project.
Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb is in charge of arrangements. You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.
