V. Ruth Lankston, 81, of Palestine, IL, died at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, 2007 at Crawford Memorial Hospital, Robinson. She was born February 15, 1926 in Palestine, IL, the daughter of John "Poly" Maddox and Mattie Cook Maddox. She was a bookkeeper, worked at Brock's Grocery Store, and was a cook for Palestine Grade School. She was a member of the Palestine First Christian Church, was a past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star #637, and a Weather Watcher for Channel 10 News.
She married Harold "Bud" Lankston April 21, 1946 and he preceded her in death May 10, 1991. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Leo Maddox; her sister, Jane Adams; and her grandson, Todd Michael Bliss.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Harold Eugene "Gene" and Debra Lankston, Palestine; her daughter and son-in-law, Marsha and Marion Bliss, rural Oblong; 3 grandchildren, Shawn Lankston, Robinson, Toby & Cody Bliss, Oblong; her brother, John Maddox, Palestine; and her brother-in-law, Fay Adams, Palestine.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 on Saturday, July 14, 2007 at the Goodwine Funeral Home, Palestine. Burial will be in the Palestine Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 Friday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Palestine Senior Citizens Center or to the donor's choice.