Ruth E. Herrmann's Obituary
Ruth Edna Herrmann, nee Beckerle was called home to heaven on Thursday, May 30, 2024 as she fell asleep peacefully in her own home. Ruth was born in Columbia, IL on March 10, 1930. She attended Immaculate Conception School in Columbia and graduated from St. Teresa's Academy in East St. Louis. She worked for Rapp Insurance in Columbia for several years after graduation.
Ruth married the love of her life, Erwin on November 23, 1950. They were married for 55 years and blessed with four children. Ruth dedicated herself completely to her family, her faith and their farm. In her lifetime, she was a vital part of the farming operation. She drove a tractor and hauled grain up to the elevator, all the while still finding time to keep a hot meal on the table. She was known for her impressive garden and gathering the family to share in the harvest, she always found a way to keep her kids and grandkids busy - rain or shine. Ruth and Erwin were also well-known travelers, which led them to visit 49 states by camper - leaving only Hawaii by plane.
Ruth was a devoted member of St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt and a lifetime member of the St. James ladies CCW. She was a Eucharist minister and a loyal quilter at St. James. She was also deeply committed to her support of the St. Louis Cardinals and playing a hand of cards with family and friends.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Erwin, her parents Alonzo and Theresa Beckerle, her brothers Lawrence and Andrew Beckerle, sister Margaret Stoeckel, son-in-law Ronald Karcher Sr., grandson Ronald Karcher Jr., granddaughter-in-law Lotina Karcher, sisters-in-law Betty Beckerle and Lucille Schaefer and brothers-in-law Joseph Stoeckel, Calvin Fries and Leroy Schaefer.
Ruth is survived by her children, Judy Karcher, Jean Colbert (Kevin), Joan Conrad (Steve) and Paul Herrmann (Betsy), sister Carol Fries and her grandchildren, Andrew (Ella) Karcher, Matthew Colbert, Stephanie Colbert, Brent (Jessica) Colbert, Brad (Erin) Conrad, Bridget (Justin) Marshall, and step grandchildren, Jess Erpelo, Ben Robertson and Jeff Robertson. She is survived by 17 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Special thank you to Heartland Hospice for their compassionate service and kindness - Nurses Lora and Michelle and aide Chrystal. The family wishes to also thank all of Ruth's caregivers - Sandy, Rachel, Pauline and Rhonda. They were truly angels that cared for Ruth with dignity and respect until the end.
Visitation will be held at Leesman Funeral Home in Millstadt, IL on Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. The St. James ladies CC will do a walk through and prayer at 4:00 pm. Visitation on Monday, June 10, 2024 will be at St. James Catholic Church from 9:00 to 11:00 am followed by a Christian burial mass officiated by Fr. Marvin C. Volk. Burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to St. James Catholic Church, St. James Quilters and the Millstadt Senior Center.
Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
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