Ruth Ann Swarringim, formerly of Jerseyville, left this world to return home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, July 8, 2021 at the age of 77 after a long and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives with many of the same values ​​she passed on. Anyone who met Ruth would tell you that she had a ‘heart of gold’ or a ‘special glow about her’. An angel in disguise, her glut of selfless love radiated from her, making her stand out as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and dear friend to many.

She was born to Margery (Russell) Scheffel and Lowell ‘Chick’ Huett on September 29, 1943. Ruth loved to reflect on her school age years, growing up in the countryside. It was during this time of her life that the beautiful traits that made Ruth exceptionally special were instilled in her: Love the Lord with all your heart, keep your life simple, be content with what you have, work hard (with all your heart). your hands), enjoy every moment and everything you have, and love your family and those you are with. This is how Ruth embraced every moment of her life.

As a school-aged girl, Ruth would tell you, “I loved spending time with my mom and helping her. [Margery]”. It was around this time that Ruth developed her incredible work ethic, studied hard in school, and helped take care of her younger siblings. and once she got old enough, she started working on the family farms, shelling corn by hand. She often said “It was hard work but I enjoyed this period of my life”. In her spare time, she enjoyed learning from her mother to sew and make her own clothes. She also found pleasure in playing the guitar (by ear) and even wrote several of her own songs.

After graduating from Jerseyville Community High School, Ruth could have pursued a modeling career (she was beautiful). But because she loved working with her hands, Ruth chose to work first in a garment factory in Missouri, then in the “Glassworks” factory of Owens Illinois Glass Co. job that fulfilled her vocation of caring for people at Jerseyville Community Hospital, where she helped others and worked tirelessly over a long career that spanned nearly 29 years.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Ruth. She deeply cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and family. Inundating them with love and attention at every opportunity, she let go of everything she did when asked to sew stuffed animals or play board games, always making sure her little ones children win more games than they lose. Even if it was just sitting for awhile watching shows, visiting or being invited to offer wise advice would enlighten Ruth and pour out her heart and love.

When not spending time with her family, she enjoyed crocheting, baking (the best chocolate chip oatmeal cookies), fishing, and even practicing marksmanship (she could shoot with just about no accuracy. anyone). She had a unique ability to find happiness in her daily activities, from working outdoors planting flowers to make the yard a beautiful place (a gifted green thumb), to sitting peacefully playing his guitar or cleaning and organizing his house (I have never seen a house more organized and cleaner).

Ruth’s sincere and heartfelt personality, kindness, compassion and love were contagious to everyone she met. She rarely missed sending a birthday, Christmas, or special occasion card to family and friends. Ruth is predeceased by: Her parents, Margery (Russell) Scheffel and Lowell ‘Chick’ Huett and her sister, Janice Tepen. Ruth is survived by her son Mark (and Kendra) Swarringim; four grandchildren, Nathan (and Erica) Swarringim, Jacob (and Abby) Swarringim, Brooke Swarringim and Alyssa Swarringim; a great-granddaughter Lila Swarringim; sisters and brothers, Linda Holmes, Jack Huett, David (and Brenda) Spangle, Bernard Russell Spangle, Robert Spangle, Lisa Spangle and Lana Scheffel; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins; all that she loved so dearly.

Mom, … Grandma, … Sister, … Aunt Ruth Ann, … Ruth, … we love you and we will miss you forever !!!

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation and funeral at the Crawford Funeral Home, 1308 State Highway 109, Jerseyville, IL. Visitations will take place on Friday, July 23, 2021 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, with Reverend Wilbur Cain officiating. Funeral services will follow immediately at Borlin Cemetery in rural Carrollton.

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials can be given to the family in charge of Crawford Funeral Home, who have been responsible for the arrangements; or you can make a charitable donation in Ruth’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Cancer Research Institute.