"Jim, Julie and families I am so sorry to hear this. Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss."
In loving memory of
Ruth Ann Shoemaker
August 29, 2018
Ruth Ann Shoemaker, 76, of Quincy, IL, passed away early Wednesday morning, August 29, 2018, at Bickford, surrounded by her family.
Born June 12, 1942, in Jefferson City, MO, Ruth Ann was the daughter of Lloyd & Peggy Tribble. She met the love of her life, Jim Shoemaker, in high school in Mexico, MO. She was the roller skating car-hop at the A&W that Jim always hoped would come to his car. They began dating while they were both students at the University of Missouri, and then married after graduation on December 21, 1963. Their first 10 years of marriage, while Jim worked for Ralston Purina, they lived in Hannibal, MO, then Vandalia, MO for a couple of years, and then Quincy for over 40 years.
Ruth Ann (or Nana, as her 9 grandchildren & many of us who loved her most knew her), was an adored wife, mother, grandmother, friend. She has baked more cakes & batches of congo bars that any of us could count, always ready to celebrate - she believed that something sweet makes every day better. Family vacations to the Ozarks, Colorado, Disney World and the Mayan Riviera with kids & grandkids (17 of us!) were her favorites and have given us priceless memories. Nana was so very proud of her family - of athletic & musical talents, good grades, any accomplishment at all.
Ruth Ann treasured lifelong friendships. Bridge clubs with ladies & couples were the perfect mix of friends, good snacks, & competition for nearly 30 years. She loved a long, fast walk & a cold Diet Pepsi. Besides being a full-time mom & hands-on grandmother, Ruth Ann also taught school in Hannibal, MO, and at Monroe school in Quincy for several years, and then ran a State Farm Insurance office with Jim for 35 years.
In addition to her husband, Ruth Ann is survived by three children, Julie (Tim) O'Connor of Quincy, Greg (Vicki) Shoemaker of O'Fallon, MO, and Kerri (Brian) Durbin of Lone Tree, CO; nine grandchildren, Jack (Megan) O'Connor, Tom O'Connor, Katie O'Connor, Adam Shoemaker, Brooke Shoemaker, Paige Shoemaker, Megan Durbin, Lauren Durbin, and Alex Durbin; 2 brothers, Dr. Robert (Janice) Tribble and David (Deanna) Tribble; Karen (John) Swatek and Mike (Iris) Shoemaker; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Services: 11:00 am Saturday, September 1, 2018, at Madison Park Christian Church with Rev. Chuck Sackett officiating.
Visitation: 4 to 7 pm Friday, August 31, 2018 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.
Memorials: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
Website: www.hansenpspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"To family of Ruth Ann, I was a classmate of Ruth Ann through most of our school years. She was a truly lovely person. Thoughts and prayers to you all on your loss."
"Ruth Ann was my best friend in high school, and beyond. We had reconnected not long ago via email after many years. She was an important positive influence in my life when I needed it most. My heart is truly aching now."
"We are so sorry to hear of Ruth Ann's passing. She was such a sweet kind lady. Thoughts and prayers to Jim, Julie, and the rest of the family. Jeff and I are out of town and can't attend the funeral. We will be thinking of all of you during this difficult time."
"Dear Shoemaker Family (and extended family), Mrs. Shoemaker was one of the nicest moms we had the pleasure of knowing as young adults in Quincy. May the entire family and friends find peace that your sister/wife/mom/aunt/friend is at rest. May God Bless your family and friends during this difficult time."
"Ruthann was a beautiful lady who will be greatly missed"
"Jim and family?May Jesus be with you at this time. She is rejoicing with Him as we remember the good times here on earth. Peace to you."
"Your mother and I were fast friends on the farm at Vandalia. She taught me how to freeze apple pies during the fall for all year enjoyment. I remember many times with the combination of 7 children we had family fun with all of you. Thank you, Jim, for both of you attending Alan's funeral. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Loralee Adam"
"Dear Jim and family, We learned about Ruth Ann's passing this morning. Please accept our condolences. Ruth Ann was a lovely woman. May her memory be a comfort to everyone in the family. With love, Gene and Joyce Plumlee"
"Dear Jim, Julie, Greg, Kerri and family, Thinking of you all and praying for peace in your hearts. May this time be filled with sweet remembrances and stories that bring you smiles. Your wife/mother was a beautiful and gracious woman with a welcoming smile whether we were playing with you on the farm in Vandalia or visiting your home in Quincy. With love, Amy (Adam) Meiser and family"