Ruth Modec Obituary

Ruth R. Modec, beloved mother and grandmother passed away peacefully on August 5, 2015 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born on January 1, 1938, to Frank and Julia (Robards) Kishel in Virginia, Minnesota.

Ruth's childhood and teen years were spent growing up in Glenwood, Minnesota. Mrs. Modec graduated from Glenwood High School and Virginia Junior College. She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota, Duluth where she met her future husband, James Modec. They were wed on September 13, 1958 in Glenwood, Minnesota. Ruth received a Master of Science degree in education from Northern Illinois University. She began her teaching career in Elgin, Illinois in 1959 and later transferred to the Arlington Heights School District #25. During her career with district #25 she taught second and third grade at Olive Elementary School, before taking the position of media specialist, eventually moving into the position of Head Librarian at Thomas Middle School, retiring from that district in 2002.

During her retirement Ruth spent some of her free time as a librarian at Vernon Area Public Library, but dedicated most of her time to volunteering at Save-A-Pet, a no-kill animal shelter located in Grayslake, Illinois. Animals were a big part of her life, always making it her mission to give a home to those that were too ill to place or considered unadoptable. Her compassion for animals had no bounds.

After the death of her husband in 2004, she relocated to Elbert, Colorado where she resided until moving into Brookdale Assisted Living in October 2012.

Ruth leaves behind to cherish her memory, loving children, Alicia (John) Poreda of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Mike Modec of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; precious grandchildren, Edward and Shannon Modec, Cody Poreda, Shaylyn Poreda and Jaime Modec; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 11, from 9-11 a.m. at Resurrection Church, 301 Adams Avenue, Eveleth, Minnesota, immediately followed by mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Eveleth Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Save-A-Pet Adoption Center, P.O Box 266, Grayslake, Illinois 60030.