Ruth Konhorst, 94, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away on October 11, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois.
Ruth was born in Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of Amos Frank and Marguerite (Hood) Jones. A proud 1950 graduate of Centralia Township High School, she married Jack D. Konhorst on August 20, 1950. Together, they built a life centered around family, community, music, and an extraordinary passion for sports.
For 31 years, Ruth worked as a parts manager and bookkeeper for Bill-Rick Ford, retiring in 1981. A gifted vocalist, she shared her talent generously with the community, performing in several productions at the Muny Opera in St. Louis, Missouri. She was active in local musical concerts, sang in many weddings, performed at the local Band Shell, and was a dedicated member of the choir at the United Methodist Church.
After marrying, sports consumed a large part of her family life. Ruth was a phenomenal athlete, first playing first base with a .333 batting average for three consecutive years while competing in summer tournaments throughout Southern Illinois for the Payday fast-pitch softball team. When she wasn’t on the diamond, she could be found barrel racing on her horse, Rusty, at local rodeos. After retiring her cleats and rodeo competitions, Ruth took up bowling. Within just a year, she won the Globe Democrat Carling Singles Classic. In 1963, she bowled a near-perfect game of 299 and a 676 series. She went on to be named Bowler of the Year, winning All Events, Team Doubles and Singles, and Scratch Series titles. Her exceptional talent earned her the prestigious WIBC “Triple” patch and induction into the Centralia Sports Hall of Fame.
She is survived by two children, Kathryn Sue Konhorst Fletcher and husband Alan (Deceased) of Urbana, Illinois, and Jack D. Konhorst and wife Victoria of Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to her children, she is survived by three grandchildren, Jeremy Konhorst of Las Vegas, Mathew Fletcher and wife Marci of Farmington, and John Fletcher and wife Leah of Acworth, Georgia as well as six great-grandchildren: Caroline Elizabeth Fletcher Vaske and husband Rob, John Wesley (Jack) Fletcher and wife Marissa, Samuel Alan Fletcher, Logan Garret Fletcher, Staff Sergeant USMC Samuel Colten Fletcher and wife Sydney, and Estella Fletcher.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack, her parents, her sister Deloris, and brother Ralph.
Private services were held and a family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, is honored to be of service to Ruth’s family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting http://www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page. If you wish to send flowers, please visit our Sympathy Store on Ruth’s obituary.
