Ruth Ann Daniels Obituary

Ruth Ann Daniels (née Clower) was a force of love, warmth, and just the right amount of stubbornness. Born on January 16, 1951, to Paul W. and Maria Jane Clower, Ruth Ann was a true Channahon girl—so much so that she never once strayed from her beloved hometown. Though the houses changed a few times, they never moved more than a few minutes from place to place, until she and her husband, John, bought their forever home in 1972 on Elsie Street.

From the moment John laid eyes on Ruth Ann, he swore it was love at first sight. Though the Army took him to Germany for two years, he made a promise to Ruth Ann before he left: he’d come back and marry her. True to his word, in 1968, he did just that. Soon after, they welcomed their son, Brian, who arrived much earlier than expected, weighing just a little over three pounds. Doctors warned that Brian’s early birth would hinder him for the rest of his life, but Ruth Ann never let that be an option. With her constant love, unwavering care, and determination, Brian grew into a strong and healthy boy, proving every doctor wrong. In 1970, their daughter Karen Ann was born. Ruth Ann and John had planned to name her Karrie Ann, but due to John’s thick Tennessee accent, the nurses misunderstood and wrote Karen Ann on the birth certificate instead. While Brian may have been her tiny fighter, Karen grew into her mother’s mirror image—both in looks and in the fierce love she carries for her family. With the same warmth, kindness, and unmistakable stubborn streak, Karen embodies so much of what made Ruth Ann so special, ensuring that her mother’s legacy lives on.

Ruth Ann was a devoted and fiercely protective mother, a role she took on with pride. When her kids were old enough to be in school, she asked John if she could work. He agreed—on one condition: the job had to work around their children’s schedules. As fate would have it, in 1978, a cafeteria job opened up at NB Galloway School, and Ruth Ann jumped at the opportunity. While she enjoyed the work, the family suspects her true motivation was to keep a close (and slightly sneaky) eye on her kids. For the next 33 years, she was lovingly known as "the lunch lady," famous for slipping extra cookies and mashed potatoes to her own children, nieces, nephews, and finally, her own grandchildren. Her coworkers at the school adored her, remembering her as "an absolute sweetie" and "a ray of sunshine who made our days brighter." When she retired in 2011, she was honored by the Channahon school board, who recognized just how much she meant to the community.

Outside of school, Ruth Ann loved to travel. From NASCAR races at Talladega and Daytona to sandy beaches in Mexico and Punta Cana, she soaked up the sun and the memories with her family. But nothing brought her more joy than being a wife, mom, grandma, and GG. Her grandchildren—Jacey, Kaitie, Ashlyn, Dylan, and Alyssa—were her whole world, and when she became "GG" to her great-granddaughters, CC and Dae, her heart grew even bigger. Babysitting the great-grandkids wasn’t just a job; it was a joy (and, of course, she absolutely made sure they got extra snacks and whatever they wanted, too).

Ruth Ann is now reunited with her beloved granddaughter, Angel Ash, as well as her parents, brothers Keith, David, and Scott Clower, and many other cherished family members. Her husband’s twin brother, Jimmy Daniels, who was recently laid to rest, is surely by her side, sharing stories and laughter once again. In heaven, her mother-in-law has finally gotten to meet her as well.

She leaves behind a family who adored her: her devoted husband, John; her children, Brian Daniels and Karen (Joe) Norton; her grandchildren, Jacey (Darren) Desmarais, Kaitie (Taylor) Daniels, Dylan (Peyton) Norton, and Alyssa Norton; and her great-granddaughters, CC and Dae. She is also survived by her siblings Robin, Corey (Teresa), Dennis (Pat), and Dana (Bob), along with many special nieces, nephews, and cousins. Two nieces who held an incredibly special place in her heart, Brianna and Tiffany Clower, were by her side in her final days, giving her all the love she had so freely given to them over the years.

A special and heartfelt thank you goes to Ruth Ann’s sister-in-law, Teresa Clower. Teresa was more than just family—she was Ruth Ann’s rock. She stepped in with unwavering love and devotion, ensuring Ruth Ann was cared for with dignity and surrounded by the people who loved her most. Thanks to Teresa’s selfless dedication, John was able to keep his promise to his wife: she would stay at home, where she belonged, until the very end.

In her final days, Ruth Ann was surrounded by family, celebrating her husband's 78th birthday and their 57th wedding anniversary—where she made sure to demand a kiss from the love of her life. She was never alone, always wrapped in love, just as she had always given so freely to those around her.

Somewhere in heaven, Ruth Ann is sitting on a swing, smiling as her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews sing You Are My Sunshine—just like she always asked them to.

Visitation for Ruth Ann Daniels will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 3:00-7:00 PM at The Maple Funeral Home, 24300 S. Ford Rd. Channahon. Funeral service will be on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM at The Maple Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Willard Grove Cemetery in Channahon and a luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to Dover Hospice, Northern Building, 350 Houbolt Rd #209a, Joliet, IL 60431 or, in the spirit of Johnny and Ruth Ann’s generosity, a cause close to your heart would be appreciated.