Terry Heenan
Feb 04, 1953 - Oct 09, 2024
Mokena, IL
In Memory of Terry Heenan
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Ruth Colby
Feb 07, 1954 - Oct 14, 2023
Mokena, IL
Ruth E. DeFrank, born on February 8, 1954, in Mokena, Illinois, left this world on October 15, 2023, in Mokena. She was the beloved wife of Donald M. DeFrank and a loving mother to David (Becky Riffkin) Chodak. Ruth was also a dear sister to Judy (Steven) Dolins, sister-in-law to Sue DeFrank and Joan Beeler, and a loving aunt to Maddie Dolins, Dr. Michael (Meredith) Beeler, and Gabi Kastel. Ruth's impactful legacy includes transformative leadership at Silver Cross Hospital, where she served as President and Chief Executive Officer. Under her guidance, Silver Cross achieved significant milestones, including the opening of Will County's first Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the introduction of an open-heart surgery program, ranking among the state's busiest. She pioneered the Midwest Institute for Robotic Surgery and established partnerships with leading Chicago health systems, ensuring advanced healthcare for the southwest suburbs. Ruth's visionary leadership resulted in Silver Cross Hospital's growth from a 289-bed facility to 348 beds and an expanded medical staff from 350 to over 1,200. Her commitment to community well-being extended beyond healthcare, actively participating in various community boards and organizations. Ruth's dedication to health equity and community support led to the creation of the Silver Cross Healthy Community Commission, benefiting countless lives. Her accolades, including the Athena Award and Distinguished Citizen Award, reflect her significant contributions to healthcare and the community. As we bid farewell to Ruth, we celebrate a life devoted to excellence, compassion, and community service.