Ruth Gillespie

Our mother fought a heroic battle to the end of 100 years.  Ruth passed peacefully June 23, 2023 at 9:30 pm.  Ruth was the daughter of Sidney William Reno and Marjory Leak Reno.  Marjory passed following child birth.  Sidney married Genevia Leak who soon became the mother mom would love and know.  On August 24, 1940, Ruth married Lloyd Gillespie.  Lloyd died in 1988.  Ruth now leaves a daughter Janet and Robert Kykendal of Hillsboro, MO, sons, Larry and Sandy Gillespie of Shipman, Gerry Gillespie of Bunker Hill, brother, Don and Joan Reno of Medora, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.  Ruth's life was not only a homemaker but following the return from war, Lloyd and Ruth were active with the American Legion.  Along with raising children, Ruth helped a good friend of hers, Unma Beckham at the Shipman Lumber Company.  In addition, Ruth looked forward to spending time with her special friend, Mary Jean Reno working at the Red Cross Blood Bank.  An additional highlight of her life was the partnership with her mother Genevia in purchasing a small farm.  Ruth and Lloyd would go to the farm nearly every evening to feed calves and pigs.  Ruth's brothers lived close enough to help with answering questions.  Also, Ruth would share farm stories with Bill Schoenman at church.  Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, siblings, Russell and Virginia Reno, Mary and Ernie Sons, daughter, Sondra Marie, grandson, Gerald Gillespie and a daughter in law, Debbie Gillespie.  Public gravesite services are Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 10am at Shipman Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to Shipman Food Pantry or American Red Cross.  Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com.

Kravanya Funeral Home, Bunker Hill, IL, is in charge of the arrangements.

Obit Provided By:
Kravanya Funeral Homes