Ruth E. Windle

Ruth E. Windle

Loving mother, grandmother, musician, and a true class act

Ruth E. Windle, nee Petkun, age 88, of Frankfort, formerly of Palos Park, where she lived for more than 25 years, passed away leaving behind a lifetime of memories, love, and a legacy that will live on through her family.

Ruth was a class act-a beautiful woman whose gentle voice made you feel at home and whose stories could keep you up long into the night. Always impeccably dressed, with her makeup just so, she embraced the latest hairstyles and colors with a sense of adventure and, of course, a little help from Marshall Field's. Her style, grace, and attention to detail were unmistakably her own.

Ruth spent many years working in her family's business, The Gold Coast Tavern and Banquet Hall in Chicago's Marquette Park neighborhood. She loved people, community, and a good party, and she had a special gift for making others feel welcome. A wonderful cook and natural entertainer, Ruth also had a flair for decorating. She enjoyed visiting craft shows in search of unique handmade treasures to give as gifts or bring home to decorate her surroundings. She also loved the thrill of treasure hunting at garage sales, always on the lookout for something special.

Music was one of Ruth's lifelong passions. She studied music at DePaul University and became an accomplished pianist and accordionist, sharing her love of music through teaching. She was an avid music lover who also enjoyed painting throughout the years and found happiness in gardening and spending time in nature. Whether tending to her garden, creating something beautiful with a paintbrush, or simply enjoying the outdoors, Ruth appreciated the beauty in the world around her.

Nature and animals held a special place in Ruth's heart, particularly horses. She and her beloved husband, Charles "Charlie" E. Windle, shared a love of horses and owned racehorses together, creating cherished memories along the way. Ruth's love for animals extended to her own household, which over the years included dogs, cats, horses, and even a few wild birds. She especially adored Golden Retrievers and always seemed to have room in her heart for one more animal.

During a trip to Riviera Maya, Ruth discovered a special love for sea turtles-and, really, turtles of every kind! From that point on, a turtle was never just a turtle. Whenever someone spotted one, they would think of Ruth. It became a sweet and lasting connection, a little reminder of her and the joy she found in the natural world.

Above all, Ruth was a devoted mother who raised her daughter, Michelle, as a single mom. Their bond grew into something truly special: they were not only mother and daughter but best friends who did life together, filling their years with laughter, adventures, and a shared love of family and animals.

As a young woman, Ruth dreamed of becoming a nurse. Although life led her down a different path, she was immensely proud of her granddaughter, Miranda, who went on to pursue that very calling. Seeing Miranda become a nurse was a special source of pride for Ruth, a beautiful reminder that sometimes our dreams continue through the next generation.

Proud of her Lithuanian heritage, Ruth cherished family traditions, including the kugelis that was a must at holiday gatherings. Her devoted Catholic faith was a steady part of her life. As a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Frankfort, she held close the faith, love, and values that helped shape her family. Through both hardship and joy, Ruth faced life with strength, resilience, and a determined spirit that remained with her until the very end.

Ruth will be remembered for her gentle voice, wonderful stories, impeccable style, musical talents, creative spirit, love of nature and animals, and the warmth she brought to every gathering. Most of all, she will be remembered for her wholehearted love of family. Her daughter and granddaughter carry so much of her heart into the world, keeping her spirit alive in the traditions they cherish, the kindness they share, and the memories they will hold forever.

Ruth was a woman of grace, character, and quiet strength, with a love for life's simple pleasures and a personality all her own. She was one of a kind, deeply loved, and will be profoundly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Ruth is survived by her loving daughter, Michelle (Greg) Kosek; her cherished granddaughter, Miranda Kosek; and her sister, Jane Foley.

She was a beloved aunt to Sean Foley, Suzanne (Mike) Hogan, Rhonda (Brad) Burlage, Maureen (Scott) Leighty, James (Ursula) Foley, Lisa (John) Klancher, and Deanna (David) Wu; and a great-aunt to Kathryn Leighty, Kathryn Klancher, Rachel Klancher, and Nicole Klancher.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles E. Windle; her brother, Leonard Petkun; her sister-in-law, Jeannie Petkun; and her brother-in-law, Jim Foley.

Memorial Donations

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Ruth's memory to make a memorial donation to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, an organization dedicated to protecting sea turtles-creatures that held a special place in Ruth's heart.

Donations may be made online at https://conserveturtles.org/donate/. Please select the "Give in Memoriam" form and enter Ruth E. Windle under "Donation is in Memory of."

The family thanks you for honoring Ruth's memory by supporting the protection of these remarkable creatures she came to love so dearly.

Funeral Arrangements

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, Illinois 60423.

Prayers will be held in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Frankfort.

Interment will take place at St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.