Ruth M. Ernst, age 97 of Hamel, IL, died Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Hitz Memorial Home in Alhambra, IL.

She was born on Tuesday, April 5, 1927, in Alhambra, IL, the daughter of Erwin and Emma Marie (nee Blase) Schumacher.

On Sunday, September 29, 1946, she married Albert G. Ernst at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hamel, Illinois.

She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, former member of the church choir and Walther League .

Ruth was born and raised one mile north of highway 140 and highway 4 in Alhambra Township. She worked at Tourist Heaven Restaurant and after marriage became a homemaker. In 1951 she and Albert opened Ernst Hardware, Hamel, IL, and later it became Ernst Heating and Cooling. She helped with bookkeeping until 1985. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, crocheting, travelling, boating, their grandchildren and family.

Survivors include:
Son - Roger L. (Millie) Ernst, Edwardsville, IL
Grandchild - Heather D. (Kevin) Reiseck, Hamel, IL
Grandchild - Cassie L. (Darren) Ott, Staunton, IL
Grandchild - Roger L. (Felecia) Ernst, II, Edwardsville, IL
Grandchild - Dustin A. (Mandie) Ernst, Edwardsville, IL
Great Grandchild - Henry Reiseck
Great Grandchild - William Reiseck
Great Grandchild - Myles Ott
Great Grandchild - Alexander Ott
Great Grandchild - Gabriella Ernst
Great Grandchild - Elliana Ernst
Great Grandchild - Lincoln Ernst
Great Grandchild - Luca Ernst
Great Grandchild - Maxwell Erenst
Sister - Helen Klausing, Troy, IL.

She was preceded in death by:
Father - Erwin E. Schumacher,Sr
Mother - Emma Marie Schumacher
Husband - Albert G. Ernst
Brother - Elmer Schumacher
Brother - Erwin E. Schumacher, Jr.
Sister - Hilda Moehle
Sister - Irma Ernst
Brother - Hilbert Schumacher.

Arrangements are being handled by Dauderman Mortuary in Hamel, IL.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hamel, IL and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hamel, IL.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hamel, IL., with Rev. Benjamin Ball, Pastor, officiating.

Interment will be at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Hamel, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran School.