RUTH GRACE (BERG) (GROVES) GAHAN

Ruth Grace (Berg) (Groves) Gahan
(photo by Ancestry.com contributor oakridgephoto)

B. May 24, 1912 in Chicago, Cook County, IL
D. August 29, 1970 in Round Lake Beach, Lake County, IL
Find A Grave memorial (click here) Ruth Grace (Berg) Groves Gahan
Find A Grave memorial (click here) Ruth Grace (Berg) Groves

  • Father: Charles Oscar Berg born May 19, 1888 in Chicago, Cook County, IL, son of Charles E. Bergstrom/Berg and Johana Wilhelmina (Ramstrom) Berg; married Clara Emma Hind on July 18, 1907 in St. Joseph, Berrien County, MI; Charles died unknown; buried in Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines

According to “Charles E. Berg from Sweden to Chicago, IL” by Barb Triphahn, June 2001:

“Charles served as an entertainer in the USN as a Chief Petty Officer, entertained troops and the King and Queen of England singing.  Served in WWII and was captured by the Japenese (sic) and held and tortured him in the Philippines until recaptured by the U.S. armed forces.  He spent many years recovering in a naval hospital in Manila, Luzon, Philippines.  Clara divorced Charles when he refused to return to the U.S.A., and then Charles married the navy nurse that took care of him.  Charles never returned to the USA but changed his name to Thomas O. Lund to keep his identification a secret.  Charles returned to visit one time to visit his daughter Ruth and his grandsons Charles and Earl Groves.  His personal effects and the American flag from his casket were sent to his daughter Ruth Grace Berg Groves by the Philippines Government after his burial in Manila, Luzon, Philippines.”

According to the U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918″

“Name in full: Oscar Berg; Age in yrs.: 29; Home address: 1138 Welton Ct., Chicago, Ill.; Date of birth: May 19, 1888; Are you (1) a natural-born citizen, (2) a naturalized citizen, (3) an alien, (4) or have you declared your intention: natural born; Where were you born?: Chicago, Illinois; What is your present trade: leather work; By whom employed?: unemployed; Have you a father, mother, wife, child under 12, or a sister or brother under 12, solely dependent on you for support?: none; Married or single?: single; Race?: White; Tall, medium, or short?: tall; Slender, medium, or stout: medium; Color of eyes: blue; Color of heir? light brown; June 5-17”

According to the U.S., World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942:

“Name: Oscar Berg; Place of Residence: 1138 Felton Court, Cook County, Ill; Mailing Address: Same; Telephone: none; Age in Years: 53; Date of Birth: May 19 1888; Place of Birth: Chicago, Ill; Name and Address of Person Who Will Always Know Your Address: Anna Berg; Employer’s Name and Address: none; Race: White; Height: 5-8; Weight: 138; Eyes: Blue; Hair: Black; Complexion: Light; Signed: 4/27/42”

  • Mother: Clara Emma (Hind) (Berg) Christensen born September 9, 1890 in Chicago, Cook County, IL, daughter of Samuel Hind and Kate (Wegner) Hind; married (1) Charles O. Berg on July 18, 1907 in St. Joseph County, MI; divorced Charles O. Berg; married (2) Anton “Tony” O. Christensen on December 20, 1916 in Chicago, Cook County, IL; Clara died January 1980; body cremated

According to the Michigan, U.S., Marriage Records, 1867-1952:

“Record Number; 683; Date of License; July 18, ” (1907); Full Name of Bridegroom; Berg Charles O; Age: 19; White, Black, Mulatto, Etc.:W; Residence: Chicago, Ill; Birthplace: Ill; Occupation: Bridge man; Name of Father: Charles; Maiden Name of Mother: not known; Time Previously Married: no; Date of Marriage: July 18 ” (1907); Place of Marriage: St Joseph; Name and Official Station of Person by Whom Married: W R Price, Clergyman; Witnesses to Marriage: Theo C. Myers; Chicago and Mrs. Theo C. Myers; Chicago; Full Name of Bride: Hind Emma; Age: 19; White, Black, Mulatto, Etc: W; Residence: Chicago, Ill; Birthplace: Ill; Occupation: at home; Name of Father: Sam; Maiden Name of Mother: not known; Time Previously Married: no”

According to the Chicago Tribune (Chicago IL) Tuesday, January 22, 1980, page 35:

“CHRISTENSEN
Clara Christensen, beloved wife of the late Anton O.; loving mother of Anton E., Howard and the late Ruth Gahan; dear grandmother of seven, great-grandmother of 17, great-great-grandmother of six; loving sister of Charlotte McMullen.  Funeral Thursday, Jan. 24, 11 a.m., at Olson Funeral Home, 6467-77 N. Northwest Hwy.  Interment private.  Member of Melody Chapter No. 726 O.E.S.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Norwood Park Home, 6016 N. Nina, would be appreciated.  Visitation Wednesday, 4 to 9 p.m. 774-333.”

According to “Charles E. Berg from Sweden to Chicago, IL” by Barb Triphahn, June 2001:

   “Clara Hind b: 09 Sep 1890 d: Jan 1980, Married Charles O. Berg of Chicago,IL date unknown, and they had three children:
1. Ruth Grace Berg b: May 24, 1912, Chicago, IL, d: Aug 29, 1970 in Round Lake Beach, IL.(see pictures).
2. Frank Berg b: Jul 11, 1913, Chicago, IL. d: Sep 30, 1995, in MI. (see pictures).
3. Howard Berg b: ? , Chicago, Illinois d: unknown (no picture).
   First husband Charles O. Berg was a CPO in the USN during WWll and was captured and tortured by the Japanese and placed in a concentration camp where he was found by U.S. forces and taken to the USN Hospital in Manila, Luzon, Philippines to recover from his injuries. Clara divorced Charles when he refused to return to U.S.A. after recovering from his injuries.
   Clara divorced Charles O. Berg, then Married Tony Christensen, they made their home at 1748 N Troy Street, Chicago, IL. Their grandson Earl E. Groves lived with them here as a small child (he had to be separated from siblings since he carried communiable diseases). They had one child: Antone Christensen, b: ? Chicago, Illinois. he married Gloria and they had two daughters.(see pictures)
   Clara was a nurse at Lutheran General Hospital for many years in Illinois.
   As was her wish she was cremated and the ashes given to a family member upon her death.
   Source of additional family information: Book “Charles E. Berg from Sweden to Chicago, IL” Dated June 2001 by my cousin Barb Triphahn. See book for a complete family History.
Triphahn, Barbara
E-mail Address(es):
ExpYour@aol.com
Address:
123 East Brittany Lane
Hainesville IL 60030-1083
USA
Phone: 847-543-8856
Love, your grandson Earl E. Groves.”

According to the Chicago Tribune (Chicago IL) Thursday, June 12, 1952, page 13:

“CHRISTENSEN – Anton O. Christensen, beloved husband of Clara, fond father of Frank, Ruth, Anton E., and Howard.  At funeral home, 3918 Irving Park road, until 11 a. m. Saturday.  Services at Humboldt Park Commandery temple, 2410 N. Kedzie blvd., at 2 p. m.  Interment Mount Olive cemetery.  Member of Malta lodge, No. 1104, A. F. & A. M., Humboldt Park commandery, No. 79, K. T., and United Rubber Workers local, No. 1.”

  • Husband 1: Harry Groves born July 25, 1907 in Chicago, Cook County, IL son of Charles Groves and Anna (Tauber) (Groves) Anderson (1883-1942); married Ruth Berg on September 28, 1929 in Indiana; Harry and Ruth divorced in 1949; Harry died March 5, 1979 in Mount Prospect, Cook County, IL; buried in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Arlington Heights, Cook County, IL

According to the U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947:

“Name: Harry (none) Groves; Address: 2025 N Kenmore, Chicago, Cook County, Ill (penciled in: 1121 Lill Av.); Telephone: Chicago Div. 0890; Age In Years: 33; Date of Birth: July, 25, 1907; Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.; Name of Person Who Will Always Know Your Address: Mrs. Harry (none) Groves: Relationship of Person: Wife; Address of That Person; 2025 N. Kenmore Ave, Chicago, Illinois; Employer’s Name: Electrical Research Lab.; Place of Employment: 2020 Ridge Ave., Evanston, Cook County, Illinois; Race: White; Height: 5′ 11 3/4″; Weight: 152; Eyes: Hazel; Hair: Black; Complexion: Ruddy; Other obvious physical characteristics that will aide in identification: Scar on left palm.  Scarred fingers on right hand.; Signed: October 16, 1940”

  • Husband 2: Harold Gahan born December 8, 1905; married Ruth Grace (Berg) Groves on April 5, 1951 in Chicago, Cook County, IL; Harold died June 17, 1973 (See section pertaining to Harold Gahan buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery)
  • Children of Ruth Grace (Berg) (Groves) Gahan and Harry Groves:
    1. Charles Thomas Groves born January 7, 1931 in Chicago, Cook County, IL; married Virginia V. Hendrickson (1929-2018) in 1947, daughter of Fred V. Hendrickson (1881-1956) and Evelyn M. (Sylvander) Hendrickson (1911-1952); Virginia married (2) Theodore R. Stewart (1922-2012) in 1978; Charles died January 9, 1975 in Wisconsin; buried in Hillcrest Cemetery, Hawkins, Rusk County, WI

According to “Charles E. Berg from Sweden to Chicago, IL” by Barb Triphahn, June 2001:

   ” Charles was the oldest of 6 children born to Ruth and Harry Groves. Charles and his wife Virginia lived with her grandmother Sylvander on Racine ave in the 2700 block near the Groves family home, had two children Chuckie and Terri. (see photos)
   During our yonger (sic) years Charles and I served as ushers and sung in the choir for many years and were in the cub scouts and boy scouts, at the Seminary Ave Federated Church at the corner of Seminary and Lill Aves, Chicago, IL. Charles achieved the rank of star scout and Earl achieved the rank of eagle scout.
   Charles Graduated from Washburn Trade School, Chicago, Illinois with Majors in Automobile Mechanics, Animal Husbandry, and Meat Market Management. After graduation he worked in a Standard Station on Lincoln Ave and Seminary Ave as a mechanic. After that he got a job at the Lincoln & Belmont Wiebolt Store as the meat department manager. He worked very hard to save for his two farms. 
   Charles Purchased a Dairy Farm in Hancock, WI now run by his Daughter Teri and Husband Jeff Horacek, that joined a Farming coop to raise crops. Chuck bought another farm in Kentucky where he grew feed for the WI farm animals. Chuck built a large trailer to haul feed between the two farms. His mother drove to the Kentucky farm in September of 1971 to visit him (see photo). 
   Charles had a defective heart valve that kept from taking gym in school, kept him out of the service, and that was the cause of a masive (sic) heart attack 1/9/1975 at his WI farm.
   I was able to visit both farms with my first wife and family and located the farms by contacting the local fire department that provided instructions on how to go to the farms. My niece Terri contacted me and said she was living at the farm so Dorothy and I drove from our home in West Hills, California to Illinois where we visited both of our families and then on to Hancock WI to visit Teri and her family at the family farm. We stayed over night and then drove on to Hawkins, WI to visit my brother’s grave (See photos) and then on to visit my nephew Charles and his family near Lake Seperior (sic), WI (see family photo).
   Dorothy and I drove back to California with fond memories and many pictures of the family and over 5000 miles on the speedometer for the trip. 
   Source of additional family information: Book “Charles E. Berg from Sweden to Chicago, IL” Dated June 2001 by my cousin Barb Triphahn. 
See book for a complete family History.
Triphahn, Barbara
E-mail Address(es):
ExpYour@aol.com
Address:
123 East Brittany Lane
Hainesville IL 60030-1083
USA
Phone: 847-543-8856
   Love, your brother Earl E. Groves.”

  1. Earl Edward Groves born May 25, 1932 in Cook County, IL; married Jean Margaret “Jeannie” LaReaux (1934-1999) on April 19, 1952 in Cook County, IL and divorced March 1974 in Los Angeles County, CA, daughter of Leon Edward LaReaux (1900-1968) and Mary (Demjanczyk) LaReaux (1904-1967); Earl died May 10, 2012 in California
  2. Wilma Ruth (Groves) Reitz born April 23, 1934 in Chicago, Cook County, IL; married Jack G. Reitz on December 31, 1951; Wilma died August 28, 2015 in Sycamore, DeKalb County, IL

According to the Northwest Herald (Woodstock IL) Sunday, August 30, 2015, page 9:

“WILMA RUTH REITZ
Born: April 23, 1934; in Chicago, IL
Died: Aug. 28, 2015; in Sycamore, IL
   Wilma Ruth Reitz passed away on Friday, August 28, at the age of 81, due to complications from a stroke following open-heart surgery.  She died at Kindred Hospital in Sycamore, Illinois.
    Wilma was born on April 23, 1934, in Chicago, to Harry and Ruth Groves.  She grew up in Chicago with 2 brothers, 2 sisters and a stepbrother.
   Wilma met the love of her life Jack G. Reitz and later married him on December 31, 1951. 
   She is survived by her 6 children, Jack C. Reitz (Sherr), Russell Reitz (Ray Wcisel), Gordon Reitz (Laura), Laurie Goetz, Lon Reitz (Susie) and Cheryl Deverauz (Bob).  She also has 16 grandchildren, Karrie Reitz (Jamie), Jack D. Reitz (Mackahalia), Matthew Pokorny, Gregg Goetz (Jenny), Amy Rysz (Dan), Melissa Goetz, Gordon Reitz Jr. (Wendy), Amanda, Jake, and Jenna Reitz, Sam and Jesse Reitz, Marliese, Danielle, Katlyn, and Robert (jr.) Devereux.  She has 10 great grandchildren, Tyler Reitz (Heidi), Bailey Reitz, Mason and Monica Wood, Teagan and Jaxson Reitz, Maddie Wilson, Grayson Goetz, and Matex and Storm Pokorny.  Wilma is also survived by her sister, Florence Smith (Bryan); and her stepbrother, Harold Groves.
   She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Charles and Earl Groves; and her sister, Winnifred Stork (sic). 
   Wilma lived a full and happy life with her husband Jack and they often told each other “I love you a bushel and a peck”.  Their marriage was a testament to a happy marriage and provided a loving example to all their children.
   Wilma’s children were the center of her life, where she raised them in Mt. Prospect.  She was responsible for building up groups like cub scouts, girl scouts, campfire girls and midget football.  She was honored with numerous awards from these organization and continued to give of herself to them, even after her children outgrew the activities.  She was also an active member at the Lutheran Church of Martha and Mary in Mt. Prospect.  She was a Sunday School teacher, an Altar Guild leader, made banners for the church, sewed quilts for Lutheran World Relief and organized the flowers for the altar.  She often referred to her church as her “second family”. 
   Wilma’s hobbies included, sewing, hardening, quilting and her tremendous love of animals.
   Wilma will be missed by her family and friends.  Visitation will be on Monday, from 10:00 a.m. until Services 12:00 Noon at the Lutheran Church of Martha and Mary, 606 W. Golf Road Mt. Prospect, IL 60056. 
   In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to her second home the Lutheran Church of Martha and Mary.
   Arrangements by Friedrichs Funeral home, 847 255 7800 or www.friedrichsfh.com”

  1. Winnifred Clara “Winnie” (Groves) Storc born August 15, 1939 in Chicago, Cook County, IL; married (1) Charles Lawrence; divorced Charles Lawrence; married (2) Richard A. Storc (1925-2000); Winnifred died May 31, 1986; Winnifred and Richard are buried in Baxter Memorial Gardens, Mountain Home, Baxter County, AR; According to “Charles E. Berg from Sweden to Chicago, IL” by Barb Triphahn, June 2001:

“Winnifred “Winnie” was one of 6 children of Harry and Ruth Groves, Winnifred was born Aug 15, 1939 in Chicago, IL. Her early childhood was spent in Chicago, IL attending Aggasiz grade school. Her mother Ruth divorced Harry in 1949 and married Harold Gahan Sr. They moved to Bensenville, IL for a short period and then built a home in Round Lake Beach, IL where Winnifred and her siblings Florence, and Harold Jr completed grade school and high school. Winnifred “Winnie” had a child Karl Victor born Jul 27, 1956 (born out of wedlock, name changed to Mark Habberfield after adoption), then continued on in school to become a nurse and became a paramedic officer in the Round Lake Beach, IL Police Department where she worked until her retirement. She married Charles Lawrence date unknown, and they had one son Michael. She divorced Charles Lawrence date unknown and continued her nursing career with the police department. Upon retirement from the police department, she then married her boss, Chief Richard Storc and when he retired, they moved to Mountain Home, AR. Early in her retirement Winnifred got a hernia and had to have an operation at age 47. Her husband Richard was at the hospital with her until 9:00 P.M. that night and then he returned home where he received a call from the hospital telling him that his wife Winnifred had passed away due to a blood clot in the lung caused by the operation.
Love, your brother Earl E. Groves.”

  1. Robert Groves born June 29, 1940 in Chicago, Cook County, IL; died about September 1940 (3 months) in Chicago, Cook County, IL
  2. Florence (Groves) (Evert) Smith; married Bryan Smith
  • Children of Ruth Grace (Berg) (Groves) Gahan and Harold Gahan:
    1. Harold Gahan, Jr. born September 29, 1952
  • Siblings:
    • unknown Berg born May 6, 1908 in Chicago, Cook County, IL

According to the Cook County, Illinois, U.S., Birth Certificates Index, 1871-1922:

“Name: Berg; Birth Date: 6 May 1908; Birth Place: Chicago, Cook, Illinois; Gender: Female: Father: Charles Berg; Mother: Clara: FHL Film Number: 1315045”

    • Marie M. Berg born April 22, 1909 in Chicago, Cook County, IL; Marie died June 12, 1922 in Lincoln, Logan County, IL; buried in unknown cemetery in Chicago, Cook County, IL

According to the 1920 U.S. Census for Lincoln State School and Colony, Lincoln City, West Lincoln Township, Logan County, IL (NOTE: The facility (1878-2002) provided care, support, training, and education for mentally deficient children) (NOTE: The census includes a long list of occupants):

“Marie Berg, Inmate, age 10, single, Attended school any time since Sept. 1, 1919: No, Whether able to Read: No, Whether able to Write: No, born in Illinois, parents born in Illinois, Whether able to speak English: Yes”

    • Frank George Berg born January 2, 1911 in Chicago, Cook County, IL; last address in Porterville, Tulare County, CA; Frank died February 26, 1992 in Tulare County, CA

According to the U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947:

“Name: Frank George Berg; Address: 1748 N. Troy St., Chgo., ILL.; Telephone: Belmont 3499; Age in Years: 29; Date of Birth: Jan. 2 – 1911; Place of Birth: Chicago, ILL, U.S.A.; Name of Person Who Will Always Know Your Address: Mrs. Clara Christensen; Relationship of That Person: Mother; Address of That Person: 1748 N. Troy St., Chgo., ILL.; Employer’s Name: G. G. Tootelian, 117 E. South Water St., Chgo. ILL.; Race: White; Height: 5-11; Weight: 175; Eyes: Blue; Hair: Brown; Complexion: Light; Signed: Oct. 16, 1940”

  • Step-sibling (children of Clara Emma Hind and Antone Edward Christensen)
    • Anton Edward “Tony” Christensen born February 25, 1918 in Chicago, Cook County, IL; married Edythe; Anton died September 22, 2003

According to the U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947:

“Name: Anton Edward Christensen; Address: 1748 N. Troy St., Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; Telephone: Belmont 3499; Age in Years: 22; Date of Birth: Feb. 25 1918; Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.; Name of Person Who Will Always Know Your Address: Mrs. Clara Christensen; Relationship of That Person: Mother; Address of That Person: 1748 N. Troy St., Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; Employer’s Name: Delta Star Electric Co.; Place of Employment: 2437 W. Fulton, Chicago, Cook county, Illinois; Race: White; Height: 5′ 9″; Weight: 135 lb; Eyes: Blue; Hair: Brown; Complexion: Light; Other obvious physical characteristics that will aid in identification: Slight limp; Signed: October 16, 1940”

According to the Arizona Republic (Phoenix AZ) Thursday, September 25, 2003, page 27:

“Anton E. (Tony) Christensen, a retired machine design engineer and subsequently Vice President of Manufacturing at Mangaflux Corp. in Chicago, passed away on September 22, 2003.  He was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 25, 1918, and moved to Phoenix in 1982 with his wife, Edythe, who preceded him in death May 7, 1995.  Survivors include daughters Karen (Bill) Adams of Lake Zurich, Illinois and Carol Guajardo of Wauconda, Illinois; grandchildren, Jonathan Adams, Michael Guajardo and Kristina Guajardo; great grandchildren, Michael Guajardo and Alexandrai Guerrero; step-daughters Leslie Lindsay of Verona, Wisconsin and Pamela (Ron) Seavey of Hinsdale, Illinois; step-grandchildren, Bill, Kristin, Jennifer, Kelly and Sara.  A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254.  Contributions may be made to La Casa de Scristo Lutheran Church.”

    • Howard George Christensen born December 1, 1919 in Chicago, Cook County, IL; Howard died January 19, 1999

Additional Information:

According to the 1920 U.S. Census for Chicago City, Cook County, IL living at 2428 Talman Ave, the household members were:

“Anton Christenson (sic), head, age 47, married, born in Illinois, parents born in Norway, Occupation: Foreman – Rubbers Wks; Clara Christenson, wife, age 29, married, born in Illinois, father born in Illinois, mother born in Indiana; Frank Christenson, son, age 9, single, born in Illinois; Ruth Christenson, daughter, age 8, single, born in Illinois; Anton Christenson, son, ag 1 11/12, single, born in Illinois; Howard Christenson, son, age 2/12, single, born in Illinois”

According to the 1930 U.S. Census for Chicago City, Cook County, IL living at 2358 Clybourn Ave, the household members were: (NOTE: Ruth and Harry Groves were living with his mother, Annie, along with his brothers, Charles, Edward and George in the home of Adolph and Lilla H. Heine)

“Adolph Heine, head, age 73, married at age 43, born in Germany, parents born in Germany, Immigration year: 1891, naturalized, Occupation: Journalist; Lilla H. Heine, wife, age 56, married at age 25, born in Germany, parents born in Germany, Immigration year: 1882, naturalized; Adolph, son, age 21, single, born in Missouri, Occupation: Clerk – Construction; Harry Groves, son, age 22, married age at 22, born in Illinois, father born in Kentucky, mother born in Illinois, Occupation: Repairman – Radios; Annie Groves, mother, age 45; widowed, born in Illinois, parents born in Illinois; Charles Grovers, brother, age 27, single, born in Illinois, Occupation: Rep (illegible) – Radio; Edward Groves, brother, age 16, single, born in Indiana; George Groves, brother, age 21, married at age 19, born in Indiana, Occupation: Burner – Iron; Mary Groves, wife, age 19, married at age 17, born in Illinois, father born in Italy, mother born in Maryland; Ruth Groves, wife,  age 17, married at age 17, born in Illinois, parents born in Illinois; Occupation: (illegible) – Radio; George Groves Jr, son, age 1 6/12, single, born in Illinois; parents born in Illinois”

According to the 1940 U.S. Census for  Chicago, Cook County, IL; living at 2026 Kenmore, the household members were:

“Harry Groves, head, age 32, married, highest grade completed: 8, born in Illinois, lived in same place in 1935, Occupation: Radio Tester – Radio Mfg; Ruth Groves, wife, age 27, married, highest grade completed: 8, born in Illinois, lived in same place in 1935; Charles Groves, son, age 9, single, highest grade completed: 2, born in Illinois, lived in same place in 1935; Earl Groves, son, age 7, single, highest grade completed: 1, born in Illinois; Wilma Groves, daughter, age 5, single, born in Illinois; Winnefred Groves, daughter, age 8/12, single, born in Illinois; Anne Stumm, lodger, age 72, widowed, highest grade completed: 8, born in Germany, lived in same place in 1935”

According to the FindAGrave.com website for Ruth Grace (Berg) Groves (Memorial ID 20768747) contributed by “Earl Groves”:

   “Ruth Grace Berg was married to Harry Groves (date unknown).  They first lived on Richmond St in Logan Square, Chicago,IL.  They had six children: Charles (that died at age 44), Earl, Wilma, Winnifred “Winnie” (that died at age 47), Robert (who died at 3 months old), and Florence. After renting several homes in Chicago, IL they bought a home at 2729 N. Racine Ave, Chicago, IL and had it remodeled to meet their large family needs.  Charles, Earl and Wilma attended and graduated from Agassiz grade school, Charles attended and graduated from Washburn Trade school, Earl attended and graduated from Lane Technical High School, Maine Adult Evening school of Bradley University 1969, University of San Francisco BS in Managment (sic) 1985, University of San Francisco Master of Human Resources and Organizational Development 1985, University of Long Beach State 1994 State of California Teaching Credential in Computer Science, and Wilma attended and graduated from Washburn Trade school receiving her state of Illinois Beauticians Licence for the State of Illinois while living at the family home on Racine Ave. 
   Ruth and her cousin Berniece Triphahn bought a Tavern and family resturant (sic) on Western Ave. in Chicago, IL.  They ran the business until Bernice’s husband Elmer Passed away leaving the business without a bar tender and a major force in running the business. 
   Ruth and Harry were very active in Church work and Scouting activities at The Seminary Ave Church and Community House, on the corner of Seminary and Lill Ave’s in Chicago, IL.  Ruth was a Cub Scout Den Mother, member of the parents committee for Cub Scout Pack 3023, and Harry was a Committeman (sic) and Scout Master for Boy Scout troop 23 Son Earl, Harry and Ruth received their Eagle medals from Captain Eddie Rickenbacker WWI Ace at the Ford Theater at Grant Park on Dec 19, 1950.  Her son Charles went on to Star rank in troop 23. 
   Ruth divorced Harry in 1949 and he left the family home.
   Ruth died at age 62 due to complications of type 1 diabetes.
Love, your son loving Earl E. Groves.”

According to the FindAGrave.com website for Ruth Grace (Berg) Gahan (Memorial ID 20697184) contributed by “Earl Groves”:

“Ruth Grace Berg Groves was married to Harold Gahan in 1951.  They had a son Harold Gahan Jr. born 9/29/1952.  They sold her Home in Chicago, IL and moved to Bensenville, IL.  They lived there a short time and then had a new home built in Round Lake Beach, IL.  Ruth, Harold, two daughters from a prior marriage Winnifred “Winnie” and Florence, and Harold Jr. moved to Round Lake Beach, IL where the children completed grammer (sic) school and high school.  Harold Sr. and Ruth worked in their older years as dispatchers for the local police and fire departments of Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, and Round Lake Park as well as other small townes (sic) in northern Illinois.  They were so loved by the people of the community that hundreds of police and firemen showed up to their burial services.  Ruth died at age 62 due to complications of type one diabetes.
Love, Your son Earl E. Groves.”

According to the Chicago Daily News (Chicago IL) Monday, August 31, 1970, page 42:

“GAHAN
  Ruth G. Gahan (nee Berg), of Round Lake Beach, Ill., beloved wife of Harold, dear mother of Charles Groves, Wilma Reitz, Winnie Lawrence, Florence Evert and Harold Jr., dear daughter of Clara Christensen, loving grandmother of 14, great-grandmother of two, fond sister of Howard, Frank, and Anton Berg.  Services Tuesday, 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.  Resting at MacGillis Funeral Home, 350 Goodnow Blvd., Round Lake, Ill.  Interment Fort Hill Cemetery.  546-3300.”