Ruby Jewell Sallis peacefully slept into an eternal slumber Saturday, January 6, 2024.  Born October 21, 1936, in Florence, MS, to the late Gabriel and Amanda Franklin, Jewell was the oldest of eight children. In 1954 she graduated from New Hymn High School in Pinola, MS, attended Jackson State University (formerly known as Jackson College) for a brief period then came to Rockford, IL to visit her Aunt and Uncle, a visit that lasted over 69 years until her passing. After coming to Rockford, Jewell met Arthur Lee Sallis. They were married in 1956 and birthed three daughters. They were married over 57 years until his passing in 2014.Through the years, Jewell worked various places including Warner Lambert which she left in 1974 to become a homemaker. Known as a talented seamstress making beautiful clothes and accessories, quilts and afghans, she was also exceptionally skilled at cooking and baking items such as chow chow and pepper sauce, souse meat/hog head cheese, canning vegetables, jellies, and preserves, cakes, pies and cobblers among regular everyday dishes and meals.  Jewell was a traditional woman that celebrated all the crafts that she learned from the South. In the mid 80's she returned to work and was well-known for her quick wit with customers at Farmer's Basket, Al-mart, Family Dollar and the Goodwill.

Upon arrival in Rockford, Jewell joined Bethel Baptist Church with her family. After marriage, she moved her membership to Providence Baptist Church following the lead of her husband. Through the years she was a Chancellor Choir member, a chaperone of the Children's Dept, a member of the Willing Workers, The Culinary Committee, The Quilting Club and most honored to be a Mother of the Church, same as her own mother, mother-in-law and sisters Virginia and Peggy.

Jewell leaves to cherish her three daughters, Delores, Diane and Deetra and Step-son Alvin Gilmore.  Grandsons; Corey (Danielle) and Dedrick Sallis, granddaughters; Gabrielle, Joctavia, Antoinette, Gerrica Sallis and Heather Gatewood; eight great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. Brothers; Robert, James and Charles Franklin; sister; Peggy Lewis; brothers-in-laws; John "Fruit", James (Johnice), Danny (Robin) and Michael Sallis; sisters-in-law, Pearlia Anderson and Joyce Sallis; Godson, David Howard and a special first-cousin James "Bo" Smith and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins and friends.

Jewell was predeceased by her parents, Gabriel and Amanda; husband, Arthur Lee Sallis; Father & Mother-in-law, Rufus and Ethel Sallis; brother, Edwin "Sonny" Franklin, sisters, Clara and Virginia Franklin; brothers-in-law, Joe and Charles Sallis and Eugene Stingley; sisters-in-law, Lille Mims and Costella Sallis and Grandsons, Dietrich and Albert "Tank" Sallis.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Unity Hospice, Dr. Aaron Coates and his staff, caregivers; David Boyd, Belinda Rodriguez, Angela Neal, Audrey Thomas, Serena Trent and the late Tracy Brown. Additional thanks to Charlie Ward and so many others that went above and beyond to offer care, love and assistance to Jewell and the Family during her care.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Providence Baptist Church 2209 Clifton Ave. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.