Ruth Lavon Leininger, 81, of Rockford, died Oct. 2, 2006, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, Ind., where she had been a patient.

She was born June 16, 1925, in Mercer County, to Lester and Estella Caywood Clay. On December 24, 1943, she married Eugene Leininger, who survives in Rockford.

Also surviving is a daughter, LaVonna (Butch) McNerney, Celina; and a brother, Ned (Mary) Clay, Van Wert.

She was a homemaker and worked for over 20 years at Schumm Pharmacy, Rockford. She was a member of Rockford United Methodist Church.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, the Rev. Mike Berne officiating. Burial is at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.

Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday and after 9:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Contributions can be made to The Gideons or to the donors choice.