Ruth Arline Birdzell

Ruth Arline Birdzell, formerly of Champaign, died peacefully at the Sugar Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Normal at 2:29 p.m. on Monday (6 February 2023).

She was born 26 August 1923 in Elizabeth, Illinois, to William Isaac Birdzell and Iva May Scarcliff Birdzell, and grew up in Elizabeth and Toledo. During World War II she worked at the Radio School at Scott Field and in Washington, DC.

After earning BS (with honors, 1947), MS (1952), and PhD (1962) degrees in economics from the University of Illinois, she taught and served as editor of the Illinois Business Review for the university's Bureau of Economic and Business Research. After her retirement from the university, she enjoyed music, family, travel, and keeping a close eye on US economics and politics. Surviving family includes her nephew Gary L. (Sally) Erwin of Hudson and her niece Linda Lee Erwin (Keith Appler) of Champaign.

Condolences may be offered at www.calvertmemorial.com.