Ruth Ele
Alton |
Ruth Maxine Ele, 73, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 11:45pm on Monday February 18, 2013 at her home with her family by her side. Maxine had a five year battle with lung cancer, in which she handled with much courage and faith.
Maxine was born in Martinsburg, IL on September 20, 1939 to the late Russell and Catherine (McMahan) Applegate. Maxine was raised on a farm in Nebo, IL and attended school there until her last two years where she went to Pittsfield High School, from which she graduated.
After graduating, Maxine worked in banking for a while. She also worked at Bowl Haven and was an inspector at Hutchinson Foundry from 1973 to 1987. She started working for H&R Block in January 1989 until February of 2013. All her clients were very special to her. Maxine spent some time as a Sunday School Secretary, teaching third and fourth grade Sunday School, and helping with Vacation Bible School. She also spent time being with her friends and family while in the hospital.
Surviving is her husband James Ele; her mother-in-law, Virginia Lawrence; three daughters and a son-in-law, Rhonda and Scott Perkinson of Godfrey, Kay Ele, and Janet Schmidt, both of Alton; five grandchildren, Jacob and Lexy Schmidt, and Tanner Dunham of Alton, Amber Perkinson and fiancé Jerimie Sullivan of Jerseyville, Amy Perkinson and her significant other Anthony Dillard of Jerseyville; and a great granddaughter, Emma Sue Perkinson-Dillard. She is also survived by a sister and two brother-in-laws Ima Jean and Lyndell Scott of Bowling Green, MO, and Raymond Syniski of Staunton, IL; a sister-in-law, Ruthene Ele of Alton. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews; and three very dear and devoted friends, Helen Gwillim, Ida Belle Hopson, and Cindy White. Maxine’s family, friends, and the Lord meant everything to her.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, Iva Syniski; two brothers-in-law, Richard and Terry Ele, and a nephew Matthew Dittrich.
In celebration of her life, visitation will be Saturday, February 23, 2013, from 9:30 am until the time of service at 11:30 at First Christian Church in Alton, with Pastor Jim Johnston officiating.
Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens.
Memorials may be made to First Christian Church of Alton, where she was a member for 35 years.
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton are in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
