DIXON — Ruth Irene Dalton, 91, formerly of Dixon, IL, passed away Friday, May 31, 2024 at the Dixon Rehab and Healthcare in Dixon, Illinois surrounded by her family. Ruth was born on July 2, 1932, the daughter of Harry F. and Erma L. (Cromwell) Sweger in LaSalle County, IL.  On October 7, 1978, she married Charles Dalton in Oregon, IL.  He preceded her in death in June of 2000.

Ruth worked for Swift & Company and then for Oregon Living & Rehabilitation Center in Oregon, IL.  She was an avid gardener, loved making crafts and baking large platters of cookies that she shared with her family at Christmas.  As she entered her golden years, she volunteered at the Oregon Senior Center and KSB Hospital as a Pink Lady.  Her greatest enjoyment was going on long drives ending with a stop for ice cream.

Ruth is survived by her five children: Marlene (Richard) Moss of Rochelle, IL, Dennis (Yvonne) McBride of Apache Junction, AZ, Joan (Art) Smith of Stillman Valley, IL, Barb Kemp and (Marion) of Eagle River, WI and Marcie Withers of Dixon, IL; two step-daughters: Mickel Pennsinger of Holmwood, IL and Becky Kirby of St. Paul, MN; sister, Patricia (Robert) Stehl of Franklin Grove, IL; seven grandchildren: Melinda (Quint) Burkhart, Kim Sheffield, Phillip (Tara) Cultra, Shawn (Jaime) Kemp, Farley (Jadi) McBride, Amy (Nic) Johnson and Justin (Courtney) McBride, seven step-grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Charles, she is predeceased by her grandson, Adam Kemp on October 4, 2003; step-son, Chris Dalton; two brothers, Ralph and Harry Sweger; and two sisters: Lila Rinehart, Arlene Herrmann, and Doris Voss.

The visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle.  The funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday with Pastor Mark Juliot officiating.  Burial will be at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle.  Memorials may be made in Ruth’s memory to Serenity Hospice and Home.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.