Ruthis Irish

CAIRO, Ill. -- Ruthis Mae Irish, 77, of Cairo died Saturday, Sept. 6, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

She was born July 25, 1926, in Miller City, Ill., daughter of Thomas and Bessie Hudson Moore. She married Vernard Irish Sr., who preceded her in death.

Mrs. Irish was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church (19th Street) in Cairo, where she was a member of the Missionary Society, Pastors Aide, and Usher Board. She was employed by Burkart Foam Inc. many years, and later worked at Shawnee Development Corp.

Survivors include three sons, Arvell Irish of Chicago, Vernard Irish Jr. of Milwaukee, Wis., Delbert Irish of Cairo; three daughters, Constance Williams of Cairo, Jowanna Irish and Joyce Faye Key of Memphis, Tenn.; a sister, Della Balark; a brother, Thomas Moore of Chicago; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by four brothers, Ernest, Percy, Joseph and Walter; two sisters, Pirlie and Cora Lee.

Friends may call Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church (19th Street).

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. at the church, with the pastor, Darry K. Cox, officiating. Interment will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday at National Cemetery in Mound City, Ill.

Sparks Funeral Home in Charleston, Mo., is in charge of arrangements.