Ruth Ann K. Archer's Obituary
Ruth Ann K. Archer, 89 years, of Columbia, IL, passed away on December 13, 2021 at Mercy South Hospital, St. Louis, MO. She was born May 31, 1932, in St. Louis, MO. She was the daughter of the late Walter, and Alice, nee Lepp, Wilde. She was married to the late David D. Archer. They were married August 2, 1950, in St. Louis, MO. He had passed away December 27, 2009.
She was retired from Vogt's IGA, Columbia, IL, and was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Columbia, IL.
Eulogy as follows...
Well, it is never easy doing these types of speeches. I am sure my grandma, Ruth Ann Katherine Archer, would say not to do this, but this might be one of the few times in my life where I don't listen to her.
Ruth Ann Archer was an amazing person. An amazing friend, wife, mother, grandmother, and grea-grandmother.
She grew up in Columbia and lost her dad when she was 10 years old. Her mom and brothers raised her and did an incredible job. She was always so proud of her brothers. Clyde was a WW II Vet that received numerous awards. Walter was very successful, and he and his wife moved to Sarasota, FL. That was one of my grandma's favorite memories. She loved walking the beaches looking for seashells wth Walter.
She was a great wife to my grandpa Dave. Their love is a love you unfortunately don't see too often. He passed away 11 years ago on December 27th. They were amazing people, and provided great examples to all of us how to live an honorable life.
- After her passing Monday, we have been unfortunately trying to process the death, and with that comes organizing her house. As we started, I quickly realized she left everything of my Grandpa's intact. For example, in his nightstand, the top drawer had coloring pictures and notes that he received from my daughters, his granddaughters. 11 years ago, they were certainly a lot smaller, and loved giving him drawings.
We were fortunate enough to live next door to grandma and grandpa growing up, so I have many memories.
I remember, eating her amazing cookies, spending the night, helping with the household chores, or just hanging out and talking or working on a crossword puzzle.
She would attend my football games, and they would always sit in the same place. Both home and away games. They treated my friends like their own grandkids. And probably spend thousands feeding us all in high school.
Ruth Ann worked at Vogt's IGA for years, and over that time, she developed many friendships. At that time, IGA was the primary grocery store, so she was familiar with most of Columbia. She would bring my brother, Keith, and I, candy and snacks home almost every day. it was amazing, and most of her paycheck probably was spent on this!
Over the years, we were able to see her become a great-grandmother to: my two daughters (Allie and Mia) and to Keith's sons (Luke and Cole). I love that they were able to have a relationship with her. Not many kids have the ability to know their great-grandparents. Allie, Mia, Luke, and Cole - Please cherish those memories, and please continue to make her proud.
As my grandmother aged, she became more dependent on her family. And to that, may mom (Gail) was amazing. She still lived next door, and became my grandmother's primary support and best Friend. My grandma would tell me of the time how much she loved my mom, but those of you who know my mom, it wasn't an option, she was always going to be there for my grandmother, no matter what.
I could go on forever, and part of me wants to because it delays the burial, but I also know she is happy in heaven. She gets to be reunited with her mom, dad, brothers, friends, her beloved dog, Nikki and her husband/my grandfather.
Thank you all for being with us and showing your support.
To close, I would like to quote my oldest daughter Allie, "Grandma, please tell Pa Pa hi for us! We love you both!
Surviving are two daughters, Gail Lynn Morrow of Columbia, IL, and Carol Ann (Mike) Wilde of Columbia, IL; grandchildren, Carrie (Steve) Brumm, Keith (Jamie) Sackman, and Chad Sackman; great-grandchildren, Allie Sackman, Mia Sackman, Luke Sackman, Cole Sackman, and Charley Eloise Brumm; sister-in-law, Frances Weston; cousins, Phyllis Ann (John) Ostertag of Dupo, IL, and Joyce Rose of Columbia, IL; dear family friend, Connie Mether of Columbia, IL, along with other relatives and friends.
She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Walter (Edna) Wilde, and Clyde Wilde, along with a sister-in-law, Genevieve Hogue.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 18, 2021, 10 am - 11:00 am, at Leesman Funeral Home, Columbia, IL. Funeral Services will be held following visitation at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Pastor Stephen Krenz officiating. Interment will follow in the Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery, Columbia, IL.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: St. Paul Lutheran Church - Building Fund, 227 Goodhaven, Columbia, IL 62236.
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