Ruth lived in Decatur, IL for 73 years and was married to Ernest R Karcher until he passed in 1978.

While in Decatur, they raised their 9 children: Joanna Miller-Shelbyville, KY, Lawrence (Shelby) Karcher-Decatur, IL, Stephen (Sharon) Karcher-Sullivan, IL, Susan (Tom Larson) Gillespie-Monte Vista, CO, Yvonne ( Tony) Garofalo-St. Peters, MO, Annette (Dick) Brown-Blackstone, VA, Christina(Charlie) Ewing- Atwood, IL, Theresa (Sid) Palmer-Decatur, IL, Barbara Karcher Tucker-Decatur, IL.

Ruth was blessed with 26 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Preceding her in death are her grandson, 2nd Class Petty Officer Logan S Palmer, 2 special sons-in-law Ron Miller and Tim Gillespie, as well as her parents Lawrence and Katie and her brothers Paul and Bernard.

Ruth was very independent and active until she was 90 at which time she began to need help from family. Over the next three years she was assisted in her home by her children until she moved to Colorado with her daughter Susan in 2018 where she passed June 2, 2020.

Ruth was born in Dahlgren, IL to Lawrence and Katie Aydt on April 10, 1925, where she lived until her marriage to Ernie on Nov. 11, 1946 when they relocated to Decatur, IL. to begin their new life and family.

Ruth was an accomplished vocalist and pianist playing and singing alongside her father at St. John’s Catholic Church while growing up. Once married, she continued to use her extraordinary gift at St. James Catholic Church in Decatur. She has now been promoted to high soprano soloist in the Heavenly Angles Choir where she will sing her signature solo, “Ave Maria”!

She worked in Mount Vernon as a certified hairdresser until she married. During her life she volunteered countless hours to organizations such as St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary, the KC’s, the Garden Club, St. James Church and School, the Red Cross and many others but also took pride in giving gallons of her rare blood type to the American Red Cross. She was an Election Judge, worked at St. Mary’s Hospital and retired from the Macon County Tax Assessor Office.

As her family, we would agree that our mother worked tirelessly to provide a safe, stable, loving home and was an accomplished seamstress and an outstanding cook and baker, to name just a few of her extraordinary talents. Her quick wit and humor always kept us laughing and for the past 42 years, since her husband’s passing, has been mother, father, friend, and comforter providing endless love and care.

We all consider it an honor to have cared for her and to give back just a little of what she gave to us.

She was not only a devout Catholic, but was also dedicated to the Christian Faith which brought her great comfort during her life and especially in her final years. She worked diligently to know and understand the teachings of Our Lord and Savior, seeking God and praying daily until taken home. She died peacefully and is now rejoicing in heaven with the loved ones who have gone before her. Although the hole she has left in so many lives is gaping, we are encouraged to know that one day we will be rejoined with her in heaven and will live together throughout eternity.

Ruth’s arrangements have been coordinated by Roger’s Family Mortuary of Colorado. She will return to Gholsons Funeral Home in Dahlgren, IL for internment on Sat, June 20, 2020.

A Mass will be celebrated at St. Johns Catholic Church at 10 a.m. for the immediate family. Once the family has been seated, others are welcome to join with a total of 100 per Covid-19 Guidelines. A graveside service with viewing will follow.

Everyone is required to follow social distancing and MUST wear a mask!

Memorials can be made to the “Logan Stephen Palmer Leadership Success Program-LSP2”at 787 Spruce Hill Drive, Decatur, IL 62521.

To express condolences to the family, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com