Ilion Ruth Mary (Bennett) Collea, 92, Ilion, passed away peacefully at home, Monday, April 8, 2013, with her loving family there with her. She was born September 28, 1920, in Ilion, the daughter of the late Roger and Lillian Kellogg Bennett. She was a 1938 graduate of Ilion High School and earned her nursing degree from Memorial Hospital, Utica. On July 21, 1945, Ruth married Joseph Collea at Historic St. John’s Church, a union blessed for 67 years. She retired in 1981 from the Mohawk Valley General Hospital, after many years of dedicated service as an RN. She belonged to the Morning Star Methodist Church in Ilion. She was a member of AARP and former officer of the Col. Marinus Willett-Mohawk Valley Chapter of DAR. Ruth’s life was dedicated to her church and family. Ruth is survived by her husband, Joseph Collea, Sr., sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph Jr.& Barbara Collea, Ilion; Kevin & Becky Collea, Canandaigua; and daughter Nancy Curley, Ilion. She leaves 10 grandchildren; Julie & David Ball, Ilion; Bridget & Scott Brownrigg, Delran, NJ; Joseph III & Laurena Collea, Afton; Kristin Collea, Williamsville; Robert Collea, Rochester; Benjamin Collea, N. Tonawanda; Eric Collea, W. Yarmouth, MA; Justin, Cassie, & Samantha Collea, Canandaigua. She also was blessed with 9 great-grandchildren: Brittany & Joey Kinch, Brandon, Kyle, & Matthew Brownrigg, Benjamin Collea, Kiley & Connor Ball, and Joseph Collea IV. She also leaves in-laws: Jerome & Joyce Collea, Robert & Jeanne Collea, Eileen Philo, Mary Ann Collea, and Marilyn Miner, plus many nieces and nephews. Ruth was predeceased by her brother, Harold Bennett. Her family thanks the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care and St. Luke’s Hospital, Allen Calder Wing, for their compassion and support through this very difficult time. A very special thanks go to Nancy and Emily for their wonderful, loving care of Ruth. Calling hours for Ruth will be Thursday, April 11, 2013, from 2-3 p.m., followed by a funeral service, Rev. Robert Wollaber officiating. Interment will take place at Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Ruth’s memory to Hospice & Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413. Arrangements are with the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, Inc., 100 Otsego St., Ilion. For online condolences, go to www.whiter-hendrix.com.