Ruth Mathus

Ruth Ellen Mathus, 80, went to be with the Lord, her family by her side at 8:40 p.m. Saturday, January 30, 2010 at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born May 12, 1929 in Alton, she was the daughter of Charles and Pearl (Penning) Piggott and Gladys Piggott who raised her from childhood after the death of her mother Pearl. She was a secretary for the Westerner Club of the Olin Corporation for over 20 years.

On August 6, 1948 in Alton she married Richard H. Mathus. He preceded her in death on November 2, 2003.

Surviving is a daughter and her husband, Susan and Gene Seibel of Bethalto, two sons and their wives; Dr. Steve and Mary Mathus of Belleville and Dr. Jim and Arlene Mathus of Godfrey, nine grandchildren; Shelley and Kris Yates of Worden, Bobby and Suzanne Meintrup of Jacksonville, NC, Bobby, currently serving with the U.S. Navy in Afghanistan, Julie Mathus of Belleville, Dan Mathus of Chicago, Marisa, Brian, Eric, David and Connor Mathus all of Godfrey, five great grandchildren; Sean, Austin, Cole and Bryce Yates of Worden, Riley Suzanne Meintrup of Jacksonville, NC, one sister, Charlotte Goforth and her husband George of Godfrey, one brother, Gene Piggott and his wife Janette of Wood River and a cousin, Norma Lee Fink of Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. A mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alton. Father Shawn Monahan will officiate. Burial will be at Wanda Cemetery in South Roxana. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to Masses.

Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.