Ruth E. Burhenn, age 80, of Ashton, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 21, 2010, at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, IL, surrounded by her immediate family. She was born on October 1, 1930, in Princeton, IL, the daughter of Carl John Sigfred and Ina Catherine (Stephenson) Brunsberg. Ruth married Verle W. Burhenn on January 29, 1949, at the Reynolds United Methodist Church in rural Ashton. She graduated from Ashton High School class of 1947 and is a member of the Reynolds United Methodist Church. She was very active in the church. She taught Sunday school for many years and served on various committees throughout her life. Ruth owned her own gift shop, Ruth's Gifts, and was known to many as "The Egg Lady." Ruth and Verle spent a lot of time traveling to egg shows all over the country and in her last few days, she often spoke about the fun they had. Affectionately known as "Nana" to her two grandchildren and two great grandchildren, she loved to spend time with her family. She also enjoyed bird watching from her sunroom and working on her decorative eggs.

Survivors include her husband, Verle W. Burhenn of Ashton, daughter Katherine (Bill) Foster, sister Eleanor Hoffman, brother-in-law Jerry (Necee) Reinders, 2 grandchildren, Amber (Jon) Recker and Zachary (Lori) Foster, 2 great grandchildren Ethan and Cassidy Foster, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Ethel Dennison; her 2 brothers-in-law: Neal Dennison and Everett Hoffman; and her sister-in-law Betty Reinders.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010 at 10:00 AM at the Reynolds United Methodist Church, Ashton with Rev. Alan Meyer officiating with a visitation from 9 to 9:45 AM prior to the funeral. Visitation will be on Friday, Nov. 26th from 4 to 8 PM at the Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. The family requests memorials to the Reynolds United Methodist Church. Burial at the Ashton Cemetery in Ashton.