Ruth A. (Ziegler) Paige, 70, formerly of Sycamore, Ill., passed away on Monday at her residence in Lake Havasu City. She was born on Feb. 28, 1939 in DeKalb, Ill., the youngest daughter of Frank A. and Jennie V. (Willett) Ziegler.

Ruth attended Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. In 1961, she married William C. Paige, of Rockford, Ill., where she worked as an employment interviewer for the state of Illinois. Most recently, she was employed for 12 years as benefits administrator in human resources at Turner Company, Div. of Cooper Industries, Sycamore, Ill.

Ruth was instrumental in forming the DeKalb County Animal Welfare League in 1972, serving as the organization’s first treasurer. In 1988, upon the disability retirement of her husband Bill, they moved to Lake Havasu City, where she has resided for the past 21 years.

Locally, Ruth was a member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church, where she volunteered as financial secretary. She was also a member of the Western Arizona Humane Society and the Havasu Pet Partners, visiting nursing home patients with her beloved dog, Henry.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Aug. 30, 2003. Surviving is one son, U.S. Army Capt. Douglas J. Paige, who is serving his internship and residency at Beaumont Medical Center, Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas. Also surviving is one sister, Mrs. Carl (Dorothy) Calbow, of Hot Springs Village, Ark.

Funeral services and burial will take place in DeKalb, Ill.

Locally, memorials have been established for both, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 2170 Havasupai Blvd. Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, and the Western AZ Humane Society Spay & Neuter Program, 1100 Empire Drive, Lake Havasu City, AZ. 86404.

Condolences and thoughts can be made to her family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.