Steven Ruyle
Jerseyville |
Steven Michael Ruyle, 61, departed this life on Sunday, September 2, 2018 at his home, comforted in his final hours with his family by his side, after fighting a courageous battle with glioblastoma brain cancer since September 2017.
During his fight, some days became overwhelming and more difficult than others, but Steve remained strong and brave. He never questioned his illness, accepting the cards he was dealt, and appreciating the good life he had been granted.
The youngest of three children born William and Betty (Reed) Ruyle, he came into this world on June 2, 1957 in Jerseyville.
He graduated in 1975 from Jersey Community High School, and soon began his 41 year career as a Maintenance Mechanic at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was thankful for the amazing group of people in the shop, along with many other wonderful individuals throughout the hospital. They have all kept Steve in their thoughts and prayers throughout this battle and would often reach out to him, which he and his family were most appreciative.
He was his wife Stacey's rock and best friend, and the two married on June 18, 1982, together sharing 36 years of marriage, wonderful memories, countless blessings, and the joys of raising their two daughters and proudly watching them transition into adulthood.
Steve was a loving and a great success as a husband, father, and grandfather. If you knew Steve even slightly, you were aware that his greatest joy and utmost pride came from his daughters and granddaughters, and they will forever be held in his heart. His two granddaughters quickly became his greatest hobby. He also enjoyed hunting and nature, especially times spent at "Deer Camp" and all the memories that were made with his daughters, son in-law, brother, nephews and cousins. They all knew that "what happened at Deer Camp, stayed at Deer Camp". He enjoyed old movies and westerns, with his favorites being anything with John Wayne, "The Duke". He also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, and was a sports fanatic of all kinds, but was pretty partial to cheering on his oldest granddaughter in her games. Of course, he would lovingly give her his expert tips on how she could improve her game. She of course, being 8 years of age, could get a bit sassy about the suggestions, placing her hands on her hips and responding back "Nimps, I know!". He just knew what she was capable of, and always wanted her to do her best.
Steve could always be counted on to help his family no matter the task, big or small. He was known to tease and joke around with his nieces and nephews when they were little and give them bear kisses and wet willies. He was also a member of the Eldred Baptist Church in Eldred, Illinois.
Surviving and cherishing his memory are his loving wife, Stacey Ellen (Newton) Ruyle of Jerseyville; two daughters and a son in-law, Jenna and Brian Cornelius of Dow and Becca Ruyle of Jerseyville; two granddaughters who adoringly referred to him as "Nimps", Ryleigh Nicole and Avery Jo Cornelius; his mother, Betty Ruyle of Jerseyville; a sister and brother in-law, Debbie and Scott Withers of Coffeen; a brother and sister in-law, Kevin and Joanie Ruyle of Jerseyville; his father in-law, Perry Wheeler of Pearl; two sisters in-law, Tammy and Brian Nicholson of Alton and Angie Newton of Alton; two brothers in-law, Steven and Rachael Wheeler of Florissant, Mo. and Scott and Lynne Wheeler of Jeffersonville, Indiana; his grandpuppy, Lucy, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, William and FayneRuyle; his mother in law, Rosie Wheeler; his father in law, Denmon "Denny" Newton; a niece, Candy (Withers) Walz; and a great niece, Ava Margaret Ruyle.
Steve's family is comforted in knowing that his in the company of Jesus and perfect with eternal health.
In celebration of Steve's life, family and friends are invited to a visitation from 3 to 8 p.. Friday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Saturday at the funeral home, with Rev. Joel Lohr officiating.
He will be laid to rest at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville.
Memorials may be made to BJC Hospice or Isaac's Ray of Hope, an organization that helps support the families of children diagnosed with cancer or life threatening illnesses. Isaac's Ray of Hope touched the lives of Steve's family when his great niece, Ava Margaret Ruyle was granted a magical night for her 7th birthday. IROH gave Ava a night of being a shining star and her family and friends forever loving memories.
Crawford Funeral Home
