Ruth M. Lowrance (90) of Effingham

Surrounded by her family, Ruth M. Lowrance of Effingham at age 90 left her earthly home on Friday, November 1, 2024 to live eternally in heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024 with the memorial service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. in the First Baptist Church in Altamont. A private graveside burial at Arborcrest Memorial Park will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to Family Life Center in Effingham and the First Baptist Church Altamont. 

Ruth was born on March 25, 1934, in Vandalia, Illinois, the daughter of Lester and Pauline (Trexler) Tedrick. She was a cheerleader and graduated from Ramsey Community High School in 1952. She married her high school sweetheart Bob Lowrance on September 16, 1951, and they just celebrated their 73rd anniversary. 

She, Bob, and their two boys Scott and Ron lived in Frankfort, Indiana and Newton, Illinois before settling in Effingham in 1969. She worked  “upstairs” at Jansen’s Department Store in downtown Effingham until it closed. The consummate nurturer, she enjoyed gardening and hosting family gatherings. 

Ruth put her family first always, often commenting that she “loved her boys maybe too much” and “enjoyed every minute with them.” She was known for taking her grandkids on adventures and for spoiling and bragging about her grandkids and great grandkids. 

She was one of the strongest Christians around,  devoted her entire life to God, and made it her mission to share the gospel every time she could. She actively participated in small groups at church and often served as a mentor for other ladies looking to strengthen their faith. 

Ruth is survived by her husband, Bob Lowrance of Effingham; daughter-in-law Becky (Moran Lowrance) Rhodes and her husband Paul of Teutopolis; and daughter-in-law Ada of Wilmington, North Carolina. She is Nana to grandchildren Chelle (Matt) Beck of Effingham; Jeremy Lowrance of Peoria; Bo (Jodi) Lowrance of Effingham; Jaclyn (Dennis) Merkley of Peoria; and Chelsi (Tyler) Shoemaker of Heartville. She is Granny Ruth to great grandchildren Tristen, Robert, Skylar, Gabriella, Hunter, Mally, Alexandra, Calvin, Ava, Olivia, William, and Thea.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her two beloved sons Scott and Ron; her daughter-in-law Connie Lowrance; her siblings; her great-granddaughter Aria; and her best friend Pauline Oliver.