obituaries

Sandra Ruyle

Godfrey |

Sandra Lou Downey Ruyle, 89, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2014 with her family at her side.

Sandra was born April 18, 1925 in Streator, Illinois to Percy and Edith Clark Downey. They moved to Grafton, Illinois where Sandra attended school, completing her senior year at Alton High in 1943. She shared childhood memories of rowing out to the islands with friends and roaming the woods around Grafton. Later, she attended Millikin University, leaving school to help take care of her ailing mother.

On February 7, 1945, Sandra married Dwight Edgar Ruyle in Grafton. They enjoyed 53 years together until Dwight’s passing in 1998. Sandra loved gardening and was especially proud of her many varieties of prize winning heirloom daylilies. She was active in the Godfrey First United Methodist Church, Junior League, Godfrey Women’s Club and the Southwestern Hemorcallis Society

Aside from her husband, Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Bernard of Tuscon, Arizona and a son-in-law, Dale Arnold of Godfrey.

She is survived by four children and their spouses, Richard and Marcia Ruyle of Staunton, Illinois, Ann and Ron Hoffstetter, also of Staunton, Jeff Ruyle of Godfrey and Betsy Arnold of Godfrey. She is also survived by grandchildren, Tim and Sherry Ruyle of Medina, Tennessee, Erika Bottini of Staunton, Chris Hester of Roxana, Jari Ruyle of South Roxana and Michael Ruyle of South Roxana. Great grandchildren are Caleb, Cole and Cierra Ruyle of Medina, Tennessee, Cadie Leitschuh (Dylan) of Mount Olive and great great grandchild Karter Dale Leitschuh. Also surviving is a very special and much beloved cousin, Mary Anglin of Roseville, Minnesota.

According to Sandra’s wishes, her remains will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 9, 2014 at the Godfrey First United Methodist Church with interment following in the prayer garden. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church or Kids 4 Afghan Kids. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements.  Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com


Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home

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