HERR/FOURNIER, Ruth M. *

Ruth M. Herr/Fournier, of Baptist Village in Youngtown passed away on December 3, 2002, at the age of 103. Born in 1899 to William S. and Martha Hanlon of Chicago during President William McKinley's first term of office, Ruth Hanlon spent her childhood in the Rogers Park area of Chicago, then moved with her family to Cleveland where she completed high school and found employment as a secretary. In 1927 she married Arthur Herr and subsequently gave birth to two children. In 1962, following her husband's retirement, the couple moved to Sun City, AZ. Art died in 1972 and, ten years later, Ruth married long-time family friend and widower Fran Fournier, who died in 1999. During World War II Ruth Herr operated a six-spindle drill press in a defense plant. Later, she enjoyed raising fruit and vegetables at the family's home in Madison, OH. She was a friend of nature and wildlife and an avid bird watcher she loved travel and the outdoors. Ruth is survived by her children, Marta Jeanne Sigmon of Sun City and William Herr of Glendale, AZ a stepdaughter, Lois Fournier of Salisbury, NC, eleven grandchildren and step grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2002 at the Baptist Village Cook health care center, 11527 West Peoria Ave., Youngtown, Arizona. The Arizona Republic December 8, 2002