Ruth Ann Hale, 86, of Carlyle, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024.
She was born May 24, 1938, in Vergennes, Illinois, the daughter of Louis Kmucha and Jessica (Nasley) Kmucha. She married Thomas Edward Hale in 1957 and they later divorced. Ruth Ann later married Nate Rothschild and he preceded her in death in December of 2018.
Ruth Ann is survived by her four children: Nina R. Hower and husband Tom of Centralia, Thomas J. Hale of Centralia, Shane Allan Hale of Fairview Heights and Kenneth Reed Hale and wife Valerie of East Alton; five grandchildren: Jessica, Lindsey, T.J., Collin, and Trevor; four great-grandchildren; one brother: Tom Kmucha of Galena, Illinois; two sisters: Kay Shurtz of St. Louis, Missouri, and Marilyn Throop and husband Albert of Dixon, Tennessee; three half sisters: Wendy Kmucha and Addie Jo Wilson and husband Mark, and Louella Hughy; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Ruth Ann attended and graduated with High Honors at Kaskaskia College. She also graduated from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville with her Master’s Degree and was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 203. Ruth Ann was a member of the National Beta Club.
For 25 years, Ruth Ann was the English Teacher for Odin High School. She loved teaching her students over the years.
She had a passion for flower gardening, there was something about playing in the dirt and watching her flowers grow. Ruth Ann was an avid reader. Her family was a big part of her life. She loved spending time with everyone and making wonderful memories.
Funeral Services for Ruth Ann will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Steve Upchurch officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 8:30 AM until the time of service at the Funeral Home. Memorials may be made in Ruth Ann’s honor to St. Judes Children’s Hospital and/or Wounded Warriors and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Ruth Ann’s family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
