Ruth Marion Larson remembered for curiosity and family

Ruth Marion Larson, age 90, is honored in an obituary that highlights her lifelong curiosity, devotion to family, volunteer work, and wide travels; a celebration of her life is scheduled for June 14, 2026 at the Field Museum in Chicago.

Ruth Marion Larson is remembered at age 90 for a life guided by curiosity, learning, and kindness. She grew up in Blue Island, Illinois, and married David Robert Larson in 1956. The couple raised their family in Country Club Hills and spent many years traveling together. Ruth pursued work and study through adulthood and remained active in community and volunteer roles. Key details: - Family and early life: Daughter of Raymond and Frieda Bender of Blue Island; married David Robert Larson in 1956; children are Robert (Jo Marie), Michael (Linda), Leslie (Charles), and Ellyn (Robert), and she cherished her grandson Eric. - Career and education: Early work included service as an FBI stenographer and census field worker, followed by a long tenure as an executive secretary; she earned a Bachelor of Arts from DePaul University in 1990 while working full time. - Community and volunteer work: Longtime member of United Christian Church in Country Club Hills, Girl Scout leader, volunteer with a homeless shelter, and served as First Lady of Country Club Hills for eight years. - Museum and travel interests: After retiring she was a docent at the Field Museum of Natural History and specialized in Sue the T. rex; she and Dave visited and camped in all 50 states and traveled in South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. - Animals and gardening: She cared for many pets over the years, supported trap-neuter-return efforts for feral cats, enjoyed bird watching, and tended notable flower and rock gardens with a pond. - Arrangements and acknowledgments: A Celebration of Ruth's Life is set for June 14, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Founder's Room of the Field Museum in Chicago; the family expressed thanks to Teal Lake Senior Living Community, UP Health System Marquette ICU and Cardiac staff, and U.P. Home Health & Hospice. Summary: Ruth Larson is remembered for a steady curiosity, community service, and close family ties. A public celebration of her life will be held at the Field Museum on June 14, 2026. Memorial donations in her name are listed as options including the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter and local PBS stations. Her obituary and a guestbook are available at bjorkandzhulkie.com.