Ruth M. Steiner

Ruth M. Steiner, age 93 of Highland, IL, died Monday, January 25, 2016, at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Highland, IL. She was born on Sunday, August 13, 1922, in Highland, IL, the daughter of Charles and Milda A. (nee Steiner) Casper. On Thursday, August 24, 1944, she married Leland E. Steiner who passed away on Friday, February 26, 1988. Ruth was born in Highland and lived on the family farm until 1989, when she moved into town. She attended Highland Community School and graduated in 1940. She served as class reunion organizer until their last reunion of 70 years. She worked for C. Kinney's Grocery Store following high school. She married Leland and they bought a farm where they dairied, as the Dairy Crest Holsteins, until 1975. She spent many hours helping carry milk, gathering eggs, driving the tractor for hay baling, serving delicious lunches for the balers, driving grain into town and gardening. They continued to farm until Leland passed in 1988 and shortly thereafter she moved to town. Through the years Ruth served as a St. Joseph hospital volunteer, 4-H Leader, and worked part-time at Louis Latzer Library in Highland. She was a member of the Honorary Women's Guild, Evangelical United Church of Christ, where she served several offices throughout the years, Mid America Dairy Association and Ladies Auxiliary to Highland-Pierron Volunteer Fire Department. She belonged to several card clubs and treasured the friendships she made. She was a avid reader, especially fond of Amish stories. She crocheted and knitted afghans for all of her children and grandchildren and loved genealogy, playing Pinochle and Euchre and Rummikub. She was a very loving, caring mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, (particularly good with the little ones), and adored by all. She will be remembered for her love of others, her smile, her joy, and sense of humor. Survivors include: Daughter - Janet L. (Robert) Bircher, Highland, IL Daughter - Jo Ellen Koelz, Columbia, MO Daughter - Cheryl "Cherie" A. (Edward) Sievers, Staunton, IL Grandchild - Brett R. (Lisa) Bircher, Maryville, IL Grandchild - Todd R. (Nikki) Bircher, Maplewood, MO Grandchild - Beau S. (Wendy) Sievers, Troy, IL Grandchild - Megan S. (Rev. Scott) Busacker, Harvel, IL Grandchild - Brooke M. (Nic) Parks, Columbia, MO Great Grandchild - Jack M. Bircher, Maryville, IL Great Grandchild - Cole R. Bircher, Maplewood, MO Great Grandchild - Caleb R. Bircher, Maplewood, MO Great Grandchild - Beckett M. Parks, Columbia, MO Great Grandchild - Ethan M. Gratton, Troy, IL Great Grandchild - Sadie Amelia Sievers, Troy, IL Great Grandchild - Adelyn M. Sievers, Troy, IL Great Grandchild - Brea L. Sievers, Troy, IL Great Grandchild - Max L. Busacker, Harvel, IL Sister - Laurene L. Riggs, Highland, IL Sister - Betty M. Tschannen, Highland, IL Sister - Eunice (Dr. Arlo) Landolt, Baton Rouge, LA Sister In-law - Eileen E. Kirchhoff Luitjohan, Highland, IL Sister In-law - Myrna B. Ambuehl, Highland, IL Many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins She was preceded in death by: Father - Charles Casper Mother - Milda A. Casper nee Steiner Husband - Leland E. Steiner (Died 2/26/1988) Sister - Esther H. Baumann (Died 8/31/2011) Sister - Leona M. Iberg (Died 12/30/1979) Brother In-law - Harold Baumann Brother In-law - Robert Iberg Brother In-law - Rev. John Riggs Brother In-law - Roland Tschannen Father In-law & Mother In-law - Fremont And Elda (nee Hug) Steiner Brother In-law & Sister In-law - Eldon and Bea Steiner Brother In-law - Sam Kirchhoff Brother In-law - Joseph Luitjohan Brother In-law - Roland Ambuehl Nephew - Gary Steiner Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, January 29, 2016, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 30, 2016, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 30, 2016, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL., with Rev. Christopher W. Hill, Senior Pastor, Highland, IL, officiating. Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Ruth & Leland Memorial Fund for Latzer Library; Highland Area Christian Service Ministry (Food Pantry).

Ruth M. Steiner

August 13, 1922 - January 25, 2016