Ruby Pittman

Ruby “Toni” Pauline Pittman, 92, of Jefferson, passed away Feb. 8 at her home in Jefferson.

She was born October 29, 1921 at Galesburg, Illinois and was the daughter of Nicholas Rodich and Pauline Palich Rodich. Toni was the first family member of her generation to be born in America.  Her parents were from Janova, Yugoslavia, and spoke Croatian.  Toni had seven brothers and sisters, and a half-brother from Yugoslavia.

Toni was very outgoing about her Catholic faith.  She prayed the Rosary every night.  Her favorite saint to pray through was St. Anthony.  She would often spend her time praying for others in need.  She would many times go without something so that she could buy something for others.

Christmas was a very special time for Toni and her family.  They would often leave the Christmas tree up until the month of March so they could enjoy the lights.

Toni loved music and loved to dance.  On December 8, 1950, Toni was united in marriage to Harold “Bud” Pittman in Mexico.  They made their home in California.  They were the parents of three children:  Michael, Paula, and Joe.  Toni worked as a waitress for many years and also for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Toni also managed a Dance and Dramatic Art Studio for many years.

Toni is survived by her husband Bud Pittman of Jefferson; her daughter:  Paula Upton (Wyatt) of Jefferson; grandson Dion McDermott; great-granddaughter Xandra McDermott; grandson Justin Cosnotti (Malia Allen) and great-granddaughters Layla and Kalani Allen; granddaughter Kandi Upton; her son Joe Pittman (Kathy) of Jefferson and grandson Chris Dzuris (Mindy); great-grandchildren Kinley Dzuris, Mariah Durlam and Gavin Durlam; grandson Kelly Dzuris (Liesl); great-granddaughters Aurara and Mila Dzuri; granddaughter Karla Dzuris (Denny); great-grandchildren Madeline McCarthy, Makenna Dzuris and Mason Dzuris; her brothers:  Michael Rodich and Frank Rodich (Sandy) both of Galesburg, IL; other relatives and friends

Preceding her in death was a son Michael in 2009; her parents; brothers and sisters.

Mass of the Resurrection was held at 10 a.m. on Feb 12 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson with Fr. Jeff Schleisman. A Prayer service was held at 7 p.m. on Feb. 11 by Fr. Jeff Schleisman. Lector was Paula Upton. Accompanist was Monica McGregor and Soloist was Sheilah Pound.

Casket Bearers were Denny Pittman, Daniel Pittman, Wyatt Upton, Drew Carpenter, Chris Dzuris and Brad Ferguson. Honorary Bearers were Dion McDermott, Justin Cosnotti, Ricky Pittman, Matthew Pittman, Michael Pittman, Jake Jackson, Alex Hamilton, Kelly Dzuris, Nathan Efkamp and Nicholas Efkamp.

Interment was at the Franklin Township Cemetery at Cooper.

Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson assisted the family with arrangements, 515-386-2171, www.sliningerrossowfuneralhome.com

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