Ruth Ortowski Sawyer

We celebrate the extraordinary life of Ruth Ortowski Sawyer affectionately known to all as Mom, Granny Ruth and Grandma. She blessed us with 99 incredible years before her peaceful passing July 22, 2025. She was the epitome of motherly love.

Ruth was born on November 30, 1925 to Irby and Cora Ward. She was the 2nd child of 8 children.

Ruth met and married Joseph Ortowski when he was stationed at Camp Howse. Together they built their home and raised 4 sons on Tabernacle Road in Gainesville.

Ruth was known as a strong, hardworking lady and for taking care of others. Early on in her working career she sold Avon. For many years she worked for S.H.Kress and Co. where she was the manager of the food counter. She finished her career as the manager of the Tom Thumb delicatessen. After retiring, she volunteered at 2nd Time Around.

Ruth’s hobbies included cooking for her family and friends. She cooked with love and always had a wonderful meal for all. She loved gardening and always had a beautiful yard. She also loved exercising; she and her best friend Margie Cashion enjoyed walking and swimming classes. She loved putting on garage sales, riding horses, music, dancing, and traveling.

After Joe’s passing, Ruth married Cecil Sawyer. This brought another brother, Randy Sawyer and his wife Beverly into the family, along with Cecil’s daughter Traci.

Cecil and Ruth enjoyed horses and buggy riding at different events, with Ruth often showing her horse Shocker in horse shows. They enjoyed traveling and having family over for dinner.

Ruth gained a new puppy named Rusty. He became her greatest companion. She spoiled him, even cooking for him. He rode everywhere with her including church.

Mrs. Sawyer was a longtime member of Tabernacle Baptist Church.

We give our family’s deepest gratitude to the many years of caring with love for Granny Ruth to Adelia Marroquin, Royce Wheeler, and their two daughters Odalis and Marina. Adelia took care of Ruth with love and dignity. Adelia and Ruth gardened, cooked, and shopped together. We are eternally grateful as they are a huge part of our family. We were blessed to have these angels helping for over 20 years.

Ruth is survived by her children: Joseph Ortowski (Danita), Ronny Ortowski (Dorian), Frankie Ortowski (Rene’), Eddie Ortowski (Kris), Randy Sawyer (Beverly) and Traci.

Grandchildren: Ali Ortowski (Shane), Angie Blevins (Bill), Katie Byrom (Nathan), Cody Ortowski (Meagan), Cole Ortowski (Brooke), Clayton Ortowski (Brittany), Katie Bragg (Chris), Jarred Turbeville, Jace Turbeville (Meghan), TJ Ortowski, Blake Ortowski (Hollie), Ryder Ortowski (Laura), Randal Sawyer (Krystal), and Ryan Sawyer (Alisa); 29 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren; sisters Ann Smith of Lubbock and Beth Williams of Payette, ID.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Irby and Cora Ward; husband Joe Ortowski; husband Cecil Sawyer; siblings: Irma, Charlotte, Frances, Charles, & Jay; grandson Jake Ortowski.

A funeral for Ruth is scheduled for 10:00 AM Monday, July 28, 2025 at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home with Rev. Hollis Parsons officiating. Burial will follow in Nelson Grove Cemetery. A visitation will be held at 9:00 AM, the hour before the funeral.

Pallbearers for the service are: grandsons Cody Ortowski, TJ Ortowski, Blake Ortowski, Ryder Ortowski, Clayton Ortowski, and Randal Sawyer. Honorary pallbearer will be great-grandson Hunter Blevins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

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