Ruth Illers

Ruth Illers, 91, of Jackson passed away Friday, March 9, 2018, at her home.

She was born July 7, 1926, in Flat River, Missouri, to Walter and Mae Fikuart Keisker.

Ruth graduated from Jackson High School in 1944. She and Lynn Illers were married April 4, 1946. He preceded her in death Nov. 10, 1976.

Survivors include her four children, Mike (Tricia) Illers of Tallahassee, Florida, Mack (Doris) Illers of Jackson, Marty Illers of Yonkers, New York, and Lynda (Ricky) King of Jackson. Surviving grandchildren include Brett (Sabrina) Illers of Pleasanton, California, Ashley (Troy) Engler of Auburn, Kentucky, Susan (Dennis) Kostecki of St. Louis, Ashley (T.J.) Humphrey of Nashotah, Wisconsin, Ethan Illers and Tate Illers of Yonkers, Erika (Kevin) Hann of St. Louis and Deidre (Jim) Lutkewitte of St. Louis; and 11 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are one sister, Virginia Goodwin of Cape Girardeau; nephew, Mark (Crystal) Goodwin of Jackson; nieces, Debbie Patterson of Blytheville, Arkansas, and Nancy (Earl) White of Neosha, Missouri; and seven great-nieces and -nephews

She was a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church and sang in its adult choir.

Since she was president of her Jackson High School Class of 1944, she was instrumental in arranging class reunions over the years, including the last one at her home in 2004. She was a longtime employee of Aging Matters in Cape Girardeau, serving as administrative secretary to its board of directors and staff. For a number of years, she played ragtime piano at a number of venues in the area. She was a Master Gardener who loved gardening and caring for the many flowers around her home. She was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, her dad having taught her well. She traveled extensively and loved to do scrapbooking and needlework for the family and entertaining family and friends in her home.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. John Dehne officiating.

Per her wishes, her body was gifted to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis for research.

Memorial contributions may be given to St, Andrew Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, and Mac's Missions Stray Rescue, P.O. Box 44, Cape Girardeau, MO.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home-Jackson is in charge of arrangements.