Hazel Ruth, nee Littell, Erb, 91, of Marissa, IL, born December 16, 1924 in Mounds, IL, passed away on Friday, September 30, 2016 at the New Athens Home for the Aged in New Athens, IL Mrs. Erb graduated SIU-C in Carbondale IL with a Bachelors Degree in Education.and taught at the Marissa School District for 25 years. She was a member of the Marissa Presbyterian Church, a choir member and also the Joy Circle.
Ruth, as she went by, was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ethel (Taylor) Littell, her husband Willard Erb, whom she married on July 30, 1955 in Mounds, IL and who passed away on November 22, 1978, a daughter Judith Erb who died in infancy, 2 brothers; Clyde and Jack Littell and 1 sister; Ruby Wehrenberg.
Mrs. Erb is survived by her daughter; Cindy (Raymond) Brinkmann of Monmouth, IL, a step-daughter; Shirley Wesselmann of Freeburg, IL; 2 grandchildren; Tim (Elizabeth Rupprecht) Brinkmann, and Christina (Stephen) Kilgore; and also survived by 3 step-grandchildren.
Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com.
Memorials may be made to the Marissa Public Library.
Visitation: Friends may call at the Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL on Friday, October 7, 2016 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and at the Marissa Presbyterian Church in Marissa, IL on Saturday, October 8, 2016 from 10:00am to 11:00am.
Funeral: Services will be held at the Marissa Presbyterian Church in Marissa, IL on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 11:00am with Rev. James Ryan officiating.
Interment: Burial will be held in the Marissa Township Cemetery in Marissa, IL.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL is in charge of arrangements.
Ruth gave me the first bit of confidence I ever had. She was an amazing woman, teacher and human being who will be well remembered by all who knew her. My sympathy to Cindy and all the family.
Posted by: Lori Mavers Schneider – Paderborn, IL – Student Oct 08, 2016
ReplyTo Ruth’s family—we were sorry to learn of Ruth’s passing. She holds a special place in our hearts. Mike had her as his 6th grade teacher. My 1sti teaching job was at Marissa Grade School where I taught 8th grade Language Arts. Ruth was so helpful & kind to me. I fondly read her booklets of poetry that she gave me. We had a nice visit with her in May 2015. We’ll treasure our memories of Ruth.
Posted by: Mike & Judy Milam – Gilbert, AZ Oct 05, 2016
ReplyTo this day, Someone will ask ” who was your favorite teacher?” I always reply, Mrs Ruth Erb. She was my Mothers teacher too!
Because of Ruth Erb, I will always know my verbs of being: Am, Is, Are, Was ,Were. I also sometimes hum the words to “oh won’t you come home, Bill Bailey.”
Posted by: Robert Owens – Milledgeville, GA Oct 03, 2016
ReplyCindy, David and I wish to extend our sympathies to you and your family. Your mother and David taught together at Marissa Grade School from 1968-1973. I believe he may have been your teacher in 7th or 8th grade. Ruth was truly one of a kind. I know you will miss her.
Sincerely,
David and Anna Newell
Posted by: Anna Newell – Kelso, MO – Friend Oct 03, 2016
ReplyAunt Ruth was undeniably one of a kind. She was a little opinionated and did her best to convince you to her way of thinking. She was the life of the party, enjoyed living, always had a story or joke to tell to make you laugh and lastly she really enjoyed playing her harmonica to entertain you. She also wrote a book called Ole Bill to entertain the kids and make them laugh! She will be missed by many!
Posted by: Bob Erb – Fenton, MO – Family Oct 03, 2016
ReplyMy sympathy to Ruthie’s family. I got to know Ruthie in the nursing home and really enjoyed our conversations and the many silly things she taught me. She was truly ne of a kind.
Posted by: Kim Hampton – New Athens, IL – Friend Oct 03, 2016
ReplyEveryone needs someone who believes in themnot for who they are, but who they can be. Mrs. Ruth Erb was that person to me. She blessed my life by believing in me. Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of this wonderful person. ElizaBeth Shook Herrera, Teacher
Posted by: Eliza”Beth” Herrera – Misawa, Japan – Student Oct 02, 2016
ReplyOne of he mos awesome people I have ever known!
Posted by: Christine Sinn Seymour – Chester, IL – Student Oct 01, 2016
ReplyShe was the first teacher I had when I moved to Marissa Grade School. I have very fond memories of her. My condolences to her family and friends.
Posted by: Mary Aveleno – Huntington Beach, CA – Student Oct 01, 2016
ReplyThis site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
She was the first teacher I had when I moved to Marissa Grade School. I have very fond memories of her. My condolences to her family and friends.
Posted by: Mary Aveleno – Huntington Beach, CA – Student Oct 01, 2016
One of he mos awesome people I have ever known!
Posted by: Christine Sinn Seymour – Chester, IL – Student Oct 01, 2016
Everyone needs someone who believes in themnot for who they are, but who they can be. Mrs. Ruth Erb was that person to me. She blessed my life by believing in me. Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of this wonderful person. ElizaBeth Shook Herrera, Teacher
Posted by: Eliza”Beth” Herrera – Misawa, Japan – Student Oct 02, 2016
God took one the best! What a personality!!
Posted by: Joni Hall – Student Oct 02, 2016
My sympathy to Ruthie’s family. I got to know Ruthie in the nursing home and really enjoyed our conversations and the many silly things she taught me. She was truly ne of a kind.
Posted by: Kim Hampton – New Athens, IL – Friend Oct 03, 2016
Aunt Ruth was undeniably one of a kind. She was a little opinionated and did her best to convince you to her way of thinking. She was the life of the party, enjoyed living, always had a story or joke to tell to make you laugh and lastly she really enjoyed playing her harmonica to entertain you. She also wrote a book called Ole Bill to entertain the kids and make them laugh! She will be missed by many!
Posted by: Bob Erb – Fenton, MO – Family Oct 03, 2016
Cindy, David and I wish to extend our sympathies to you and your family. Your mother and David taught together at Marissa Grade School from 1968-1973. I believe he may have been your teacher in 7th or 8th grade. Ruth was truly one of a kind. I know you will miss her.
Sincerely,
David and Anna Newell
Posted by: Anna Newell – Kelso, MO – Friend Oct 03, 2016
To this day, Someone will ask ” who was your favorite teacher?” I always reply, Mrs Ruth Erb. She was my Mothers teacher too!
Because of Ruth Erb, I will always know my verbs of being: Am, Is, Are, Was ,Were. I also sometimes hum the words to “oh won’t you come home, Bill Bailey.”
Posted by: Robert Owens – Milledgeville, GA Oct 03, 2016
To Ruth’s family—we were sorry to learn of Ruth’s passing. She holds a special place in our hearts. Mike had her as his 6th grade teacher. My 1sti teaching job was at Marissa Grade School where I taught 8th grade Language Arts. Ruth was so helpful & kind to me. I fondly read her booklets of poetry that she gave me. We had a nice visit with her in May 2015. We’ll treasure our memories of Ruth.
Posted by: Mike & Judy Milam – Gilbert, AZ Oct 05, 2016
Ruth gave me the first bit of confidence I ever had. She was an amazing woman, teacher and human being who will be well remembered by all who knew her. My sympathy to Cindy and all the family.
Posted by: Lori Mavers Schneider – Paderborn, IL – Student Oct 08, 2016