Ruth M. Wills

GRAND TOWER- Ruth M. Wills, 93, of Grand Tower, entered her eternal home 4:50 a.m. Friday, June 3, 2016 at Manor Court of Carbondale.



Ruth was born on May 31, 1923 to Hollis Jennings and Edith Mae (Ellet) Burke in Grand Tower. She married Louis C. Wills on May 15, 1943 in Texarkana, TX. He proceeded her in death on February 16, 1998. She was by Louis’s side, assisting him through all their endeavors.



She was a member of the Grand Tower United Methodist Church and American Rosie the Riveter Association. Ruth was a prayer warrior and loved her God. When she was 19 years old she began working at JC Penny. Other jobs included Wagner Electric, McDonald-Douglas, and she worked for the civil service. She lived in St. Louis for 6 years before moving back home to Grand Tower. Ruth will be remembered for stating her mind with a twinkle in her eyes and a smile on her face.



Survivors include a son, James D. (Kathy) Wills of Jacob; two daughters, Marilyn S. (Mark) Reiman of Murphysboro, and Joyce M. (Steve) Vasseur of Paducah, KY; two brothers, Patrick J. Burke of Murphysboro, and Joe Burke of Calumet City; sister, Marian Kay Pritchett of Marion; nine grandchildren, Mark, Jeff, and Brad Hill, Lori Reiman, Eric Wills, Lisa Ellet, Jason Kehrer, Adam Wills, and Megan Beck; 13 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Kathy Wills of Cobden; two sister-in-law’s, Aldeane Norton of Jackson, MO, and Madge Mainer of Carbondale; and special family members, Tunnie Nimmo and Gene Burke.



She is preceded in death by her husband, one son, Stephen L. Wills; three brothers, Clarence, Glen, and Sam Burke; sister, Ruby Werner; and special friends, Margie Henson, and Mary Lea.



Services for Ruth will be at 1:00 p.m., Monday June 6, 2016 in Grand Tower United Methodist Church with Reverends Peggy Camp and Roberta Shultz officiating. Burial will follow in Walker Hill Cemetery, Grand Tower. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 6, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church in Grand Tower.



Memorials are the preferred form of remembrance and may be made to the Grand Tower United Methodist Church and will be accepted at the church. Meredith Funeral Home, Carbondale is assisting the family with arrangements.