Betty Lou Ruhmann

BETTY LOU RUHMANN, 66, of Freeburg, Illinois, passed with peace and grace at 9:07 am, Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri with her family at her side.

Betty was born in Belleville, Illinois as sister #5, Queen of the Minions and Queen of the Nile, one of thirteen siblings who raised a ruckus wherever they went. She fell in love and married her sweetheart, Jerry, and they have been happily together since December 4, 1971.

After marrying Jerry, Betty threw her energies into raising her children. Open to all neighboring children and many foster children, her home was never closed. She will always be remembered as a loving mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother whose greatest passion was helping others. Betty was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories.

A wife and mother of veterans and an active duty police officer, Betty dedicated many hours volunteering in numerous organizations, to include Order of the Eastern Star, VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, Royal Neighbors of America, Patriotic Sisters of the USA (founding member), American Red Cross, the Freeburg Care Center, the Freeburg School District, and St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection of the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” John 11:25-26. She leaves us rich in memories.

Survivors:

Husband:

Jerry Ruhmann Freeburg, IL

4 Children:

Tricia (Mike) Martinez O’Fallon, IL

Chrystal “Critter” (Mike McCann) Ruhmann Ballwin, MO

Jerry Ruhmann, Jr. Belleville, IL

Gage Ruhmann Freeburg, IL

11 Siblings:

Gloria (Francis “Dutch”) Jancek Highland, IL

Phyllis (Bill) Sheppard Freeburg, IL

Connie (Bennie) Mooney St. Libory, IL

Patty (Mike) Middendorf Millstadt, IL

Stella (Cletus) Kaemmerer, Jr. Caseyville, IL

Richard (Debbie) Kehrer Smithton, IL

Bonnie (Kevin) Christian O’Fallon, IL

Jeanette Meyer O’Fallon, IL

Doris Barnes Mesa, AZ

Susie (Ahmed) Shabib Hanover Park, IL

Kathy (Rob) Spontak Romeoville, IL

5 Grandchildren:

Brady & Tanner Martinez, Max Diener and Connor & Shaun McCann

8 In-laws:

LouAnn Ruhmann Sparta, IL

Roselyn (Alvin) Dressler Freeburg, IL

Ira Ruhmann Ellis Grove, IL

Carolee Ruhmann Baltimore, MD

Mark (Susan) Ruhmann Will’s Point, TX

Sandra (Rick) Griesbaum Waterloo, IL

Dwight (Michelle) Ruhmann Waterloo, IL

Kathy Ruhmann Sparta, IL

Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends

Preceded in death by: Parents; Joining her Loving Mother – Doris Kehrer, 1 Infant Sister – Lois Kehrer, 1 Brother-in-law – Mike Meyer and 1 Sister-in-law – Marlyn Ruhmann

Funeral Service:

11:00 am, Monday, February 24, 2020

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, Illinois

Officiating:

Rev. Earl Crecelius

Interment:

Lake View Memorial Gardens

Fairview Heights, Illinois

Visitation:

Sunday – 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

A walk-through will be held at 6:00 pm for the V.F.W. and American Legion, followed by an Order of the Eastern Star Service.

Monday – 9:00 am – 11:00 am

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, Illinois

Memorials:

Gifts for the Yanks