Ruth Ann Elizabeth Meister

Ruth Ann  Elizabeth Meister, nee Schaefer, 83, of Benton, IL, died June 2, 2021, in Benton, IL. She was born March 2, 1938, on her family’s farm in Waterloo, IL to Emil and Adelia (Anderson) Schaefer. 

     Ruth Ann graduated from Waterloo High School, Class of 1956.

     She married Vernon Meister on September 28, 1957 at the Evangelical and Reformed Church in Waterloo, IL.

     Ruth Ann loved her family dearly, and was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was regularly involved in her children and grandchildren’s lives. She maintained many long-distance family relations and was a loyal and true friend. She was the ideal mother and grandmother and was always supportive- even gathering hundreds of pictures, mementos, and keepsakes and regularly compiling scrapbooks for her grandchildren over the years.
     Ruth Ann was an artist and craftswoman who took pride in her work, loved miniatures, dollhouses and gazebos, beadwork, jewelry, sewing, and all things beautiful.  She taught us to see outside of the traditional “box,” she gave each person the freedom to create in their own way.  In this she was a great teacher knowing when to question and when to bide. She saw potential in everything and particularly loved nature; hummingbirds and flowers being of special interest. Ruth Ann was a recognized artist which included being a contributor at the Illinois State Fair receiving Best of Show, Southern Illinois Art and Artisan Center until its closure, as well as being featured in various newspapers and craft magazines.
     Ruth Ann had a passion for music, especially classical, and shared her love of music with her family.
     She hardly ever complained, and was a source of quiet strength.  She was a breast cancer survivor and could always laugh in hardship, remaining positive even to her death.
   Her absence will be deeply felt, and while her family and friends will miss her dearly, we will also count ourselves blessed to have known her.
     Ruth Ann followed in death her parents, husband, Vernon, and two brothers; Clyde and Harvey Schaefer. 
    Surviving is one brother-in-law, Frederick Meister of Waterloo, IL and two sister-in laws, Geri Schaefer and Marilynn Schaefer both of Waterloo, IL; three daughters; Annette McCoy and her husband David of Benton, IL; Lori Wilburn of Benton, IL; and Denise Richardson of Macedonia, IL; five grandchildren, Melanie Barnfield, Jonathan McCoy, Abby Wilburn, Daniel Richardson, and Caleb Richardson; six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gifts of remembrance can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Visitation:
4 PM to 7 PM Friday, June 11, 2021 at Quernheim Funeral Home

Funeral:
7 PM Friday, June 11, 2021 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL
Daniel Richardson officiating

     The family would also like to thank Heritage Woods staff in Benton, IL for 14 months of love and support during these trying times.