Ruth Ann Jennings, 67, of Sandoval passed away Monday, September 12, 2022, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. She was born on December 1, 1954, the daughter of Michael David and Lulu Belle (Austin) Pocrnich in Effingham.
Survivors include the love of her life for 22 years Russell Wimberly; her children Henry “Tommy” Ward Jr. of Junction City, Kimberly Helm and husband William “Joe” of Richview, Shawn Ward Sr. of Florida, Kenneth Ward of Sandoval, Melissa Ferguson and family of Arkansas; stepchildren Misty Senn of Salem, Russell III of Salem, and Dylan Unsell of Salem; grandchildren Dallas, Ashlynn, Gavin, Cohen, Balei, Chase, Loretta, Don Don, April, Meagan, Shawn Jr., Serena, Clara, Mason, Bryson, Paityn, Avatyn, Rivertyn, Courtney, Samuel, Cody, Miranda, Gabby, Cheyenne, Alyssa, Jr., and Tim; a host of great-grandchildren; siblings David Pocrnich and Grace Meador of Dix, Kenny Patton and wife of Illinois, Greg Pocrnich and Rhonda Atteberry of Richview, Debra Burner and Donnie Raney of Tuscola, Teresa Phillips and husband of Centralia; aunts and uncles Judy and Don Overturf of Centralia, Shirley Austin of Sandoval, Richie Cummins and wife of Sandoval, Jack Worton of Wheelen; and several nieces and nephews.
Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents Michael and Lulu Belle (Austin) Pocrnich; both sets of grandparents; sister Pamela Sue; daughter Monica K. Marie Ward; grandchildren Clarence Hulsey, and Thomas Ward; great-grandsons Orion and Jonah; and several aunts and uncles.
Ruth Ann worked the phone lines for Superior Widows where her hard work and kind customer service was appreciated. She enjoyed time spent outdoors while throwing a ringer in horseshoes and reeling in a big catch while fishing. Ruth Ann loved to create a relaxing, beautiful area by decorating her yard with lawn ornaments and listening to the sound of her windchime collection. She had the gift of being able to talk to anybody and was often seen with her phone in hand, sharing her latest news. Ruth Ann liked to search yard sales for treasures for herself and others. She was the very best grandma, stepping in to help raise her grandchildren into the amazing young people they are today. Ruth Ann was fun, caring, and often put her family’s needs before her own. She leaves behind many who are saddened by her passing, but she also leaves behind wonderful memories of good times together.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 19, 2022, at the Old Mason Cemetery in Mason, Illinois. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 19, 2022, at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Ruth Ann’s honor to the Family’s Wishes. Online condolences and memories of Ruth Ann may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
