Ima “Hope” Ruepke, 67, of Swansea, formerly of Centralia, passed away Sunday, June 25, 2023, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, Illinois.
She was born August 7, 1955, in Dallas, Texas, the daughter of William Toland and Christine (Hobgood) Toland. She married Joseph “Joe” Ruepke on January 31, 1976, and he preceded her in death on September 28, 2016.
Hope is survived by a son, Jeremy Ruepke of Centralia; two daughters: Alysha Ruepke and fiance Dorian “Bob” Sharkey of Swansea and Christy Hester and husband Will of Rockwall, Texas; 5 grandchildren: grand”son”, Nick Ruepke and wife Shelby of Kinmundy, granddaughter: Tamiah Sharkey, grandson: Dorian Sharkey, Jr. both of Centralia, grandson: Drake Malcom and granddaughter: Macie Malcom both of Rockwall, Texas; 9 great-grandchildren: Farryn, Piper, Evalyn, Brooklyn, Neveah, Sharon, Malaki, Kenna and London; a brother: Jimmy Toland and wife Terri of Royse City, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents: William and Christine Toland, husband: Joe Ruepke, and brother: William “Bill” Toland.
Hope worked at Little Fuze for several years. She enjoyed sewing, taking a boat ride, and playing video slot machines. She had a passion for taking care of her flowers and gardening. Hope had a big heart and she would help anyone that was in need. She loved and cherished the time she spent with her family.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 30, 2023, at 12:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Visitation will be held Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Ruepke Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook Page.
