Ruth Koehler
Ruth Jean Koehler, nee Rickert, 82, born April 22, 1928, in Belleville, Ill., died Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, at the Memorial Care Center, Belleville, IL, after a long battle with both lung and heart diseases. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend to many.
For many years, she was a devoted housewife and mother, who sacrificed for her children without hesitation. She spent her days cooking, cleaning, and caring for her family as only she could. She instilled in her children both discipline and a love of each other and of God that remains with them to this day.
Ruth later entered the business world as a clerk at Lerner’s Clothing Store and as manager of the Value Store, both in downtown Belleville. She later worked until retirement in the St. Clair County Treasurer’s office.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Maude, nee Nagel, Rickert.
Surviving are her three children, Steve Koehler and his wife, Donna, of Springfield, Mo., Barbara Baxter and her husband, Robert, of Downers Grove, Ill., and Bill Koehler and his wife, Laura, of Belleville, Ill.
Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Michael (Gaylee) Koehler of Oklahoma City, Okla.,
Rebecca (Dan) Dula of Springfield, Mo.,
Katie (Scott) Manno of Belleville, Ill.,
Melissa (Scott) Kiser of Fort Wayne, Ind.,
Natalie Koehler and Amanda Koehler, both of Belleville, Ill.,
and Robert Baxter III of Downers Grove, Ill.;
six great-grandchildren, Malcolm Koehler, Maura Koehler, Thomas Koehler, all of Oklahoma City, Okla.,
Alex and Claire Dula of Springfield, Mo.,
and Khloe Manno of Belleville, Ill.;
a brother, Robert Rickert of Belleville, Ill.;
and nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Memorial Care Center. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, November, 13, 2010, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, November 14, 2010, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with the Rev. Jay Krumeich officiating.
