Ruby "Harvy" Gerth (87) formerly of Dieterich

Ruby "Harvy" Gerth, age 87, formerly of Dieterich, Illinois, passed away at 7:36 PM – Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Copper Creek Cottages in Mattoon, Illinois.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM – Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois, with Carroll Ross officiating. The burial will be in the Scott Cemetery south of Dieterich, Illinois. Visitation will be held Friday, August 9, 2024 from 5-7 PM at the Funeral Home. In loving memory of Harvy, memorials may be made to the Oblong Christian Children’s Home. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here.

Harvy was born on May 15, 1937, the daughter of Harve and Eunice (Rosborough) Lawless in Olney, Illinois. She married the love of her life Lowell Dean Gerth, and he preceded her in death on April 13, 2013. Harvy, first of all, loved her family, her church and God. She was a member of the Winterrowd-Headyville Christian Church where she helped lead her children to Jesus. She encouraged her children to become strong and independent and to give to others. She provided her family with love, laughter and a few spankings if needed. Harvy, worked for a time at the Dress Shop in Effingham, Illinois, the Dieterich Community School Office and served on the board of directors, for the Oblong Christian Children’s Home. Lowell and Harvy lived in many of the states while Lowell worked on the pipelines. Harvy was a city girl that learned how to be a farmer after they bought land and raised crops and beef cattle. Harvy was a very crafty person and did all sorts of crafts especially quilting. Harvy had a craft business “Harvy’s Hobbies” before quilting became her focus. She was a member of the Crossroads Quilt Guild in Effingham and helped start their annual Quilt Show. She donated many of her quilts to Linus and other charities. Harvy wrote several poems which she shared, and she always had a story to tell. Harvy gardened and canned and spent time with her family. Honey, her dog, gave her a lot of joy.

Harvy is survived by her children: Richard (Diana) Gerth, of Newton, Illinois, Debra Waddington, of East Moline, Illinois Janet Menke (John South), of Newton, Illinois Bonnie (Jerry) Steppe, of Effingham, Illinois Nephew: Brandon (Randee) Bethards, and family, of Charlotte, North Carolina Grandchildren: Erica (Mike) Retting, Nicole (Nick) Williams, Robb (Micha Begijn) Waddington, Ben (Nicole Mason) McDaniel, Bridget (Aaron) Kaufman, Sabrina (Nick) Hutton, Anthony Steppe, Cole (Nikki Jo) Gerth, Cody (Leslie) Gerth, Cord (Kaylee Horn) Gerth, Colby Gerth; Great-Grandchildren: Charlie, Leo, Jack, Milo, Henry, Karsen, Braxton, Aspen, Harper, Ziyah, Ben, Kaleb, Liam, Clara, Dean, Henry, George, Kort, Kaci, Brody, Briar, and Blaike.

Harvy is preceded in death by: her parents, husband, five sisters and one brother.