Ruth was one of the judges at the 1999 Mrs. Illinois/America pageant. Here she poses with Mrs. Illinois, 1998 Karen Lea Cline and Steve Tomashuski, who was also one of the judges, at the party that was held at the Crown Plaza Hotel after the preliminary competition.

Marie Yunez poses with Ruth and Steve. Marie became the 2^nd runner up for the Mrs. Illinois crown at the final competition which was held Saturday evening.

Ruth is with Lisa Appleby who placed as the 1^st runner up in the competition.

Ruth, Steve and Monica Skylling-Burke at the Friday evening party. Monica went on to win the Mrs. Illinois 1999 title at the Saturday night final competition.

Joe and Kimberly Neely smile for the camera along with Steve and Ruth. Kimberby was one of the seven finalists and won the evening gown competition wearing a gorgeous rose colored, chiffon gown.

After the competition was over, Ruth got a chance to congratulate Lisa Appleby, the 1^st runner up, and say hello to Bo Tyler who was one of the judges and who also won the title Mrs. Illinois 1997, the year that Ruth competed in the pageant.

The finalists are announced at the pageant by Jim Gibson, the Master of Ceremonies.

Husbands and friends rush on stage to congratulate the winners!