Elizabeth “Betty” Susan Ruff

Elizabeth Susan “Betty” Ruff, 100, of Centralia died Friday, May 6, 2022, at Centralia Manor. Her death was not Covid related. She was born on June 19, 1921, in Ottawa, Illinois to Lyle Cunningham and Mayme (Hellman) Cunningham Stevenson. She married James W. Hickey in 1938 and he preceded her in death in 1960. She married Harris (Bud) Ruff in 1965 and he preceded her in death in 1989. 

She came to Centralia in 1990 and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She was a member and board member of St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary for many years. She was an avid Cubs fan but was happy to watch the Cardinals too. She was a skilled counted cross stitch maker and also crocheted beautiful, intricate pieces. She sang bass in a Sweet Adelines Champion Chorus in Ottawa, Illinois with a sister-in-law, cousins and nieces. She was employed at Thompson Food Basket and Jordans Hardware in Ottawa as well.

She is survived by a daughter Patricia (Hickey) Cleary of Centralia; and a stepdaughter Valerie Winders (Jim) and three step-grandchildren of Texas.

She is also survived by six grandchildren, Dennis Gansauer Murray (Rick), Beth Riley (Chris), Cynthia Sanders (Leon), Angela Mueller (Rick), Emily Kink and James Cleary (Barbi). She had nine great-grandchildren, Josh Gansauer (Chris), Andrew Gansauer (Holly), Allie Christensen (Korey), Cooper Siville (Hannah), Travis Sanders (Robin), Dani Morgan (Jim), Eric Wichmann, Melissa Wichmann, Andrea Cleary; thirteen great-great-grandchildren, Colton Gansauer, Grayson Gansauer, Charlotte Christensen, Emersyn Sanders, Brilyn Glasco, Cameron Gansauer, Avery Gansauer, and James, Nadia, Trevor, Bella, Troy, and Treydin Morgan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; four brothers; an infant daughter, Betty Sue; and a son-in-law Robert Cleary.

According to her wishes, she will be cremated and there will be no services. She will be interred in Ottawa at a later date. Memorials may be made in Betty’s honor to Centralia Humane Society P.O. Box 124 Centralia, Illinois 62801. Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Betty Ruff with arrangements.

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