MENKE

Ruby M. (Gerlach) Menke, 90, of Sparta, IL; born November 10, 1932 in New Palestine, IL the daughter of Louis and Dora (Lindwedel) Gerlach; passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at the Coulterville Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

She was a devoted lifelong member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Sparta.  Ruby married Orval Menke on April 2, 1955 in Sparta, IL.  She was the Secretary at Sparta Lincoln School for 20 years.  Ruby enjoyed singing at church and with Community Chorus.  When she was not helping in the church, Ruby was tending to the flowers and landscaping around the church.  Some other hobbies that she enjoyed were bowling, playing pinochle, cross stitching and quilting.  Ruby adored her family, but her faith in God is what helped keep the love for her family so strong.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband – Orval Otto Menke who passed away April 19, 2005 in Sparta, IL; parents; one brother – William Gerlach; one sister – Alberta Gerlach; three half-sisters – Marie Gerlach, Louise Gerlach, and Olivia “Libby” Gerlach.

She is survived by two children – Diane Menke (Edward) Pence of St. Charles, MO and Bruce (Terri) Menke of Walsh, IL; five grandchildren – Brandt (Jackie) Pence of Memphis, TN, Christopher (Kathleen) Pence of St. Peters, MO, Robert (Sarah) Pence of Gahanna, OH, Benjamin (fiancé, Emily Vonder Haar) Menke of Breese, IL, and Brayden Menke of Highland, IL; four great grandchildren – Mara, Emmett, Kaylee, and Isabella Pence; other relatives and friends.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.heilschuessler.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church of Sparta or Christ Our Savior Lutheran School in Evansville.

The visitation for Mrs. Menke will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023 at St. John Lutheran Church in Sparta, IL from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.  Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Carl Miller officiating.  Interment will take place at Caledonia Cemetery in Sparta, IL.

Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Sharon Hepp says:

   08/31/2023 at 6:15 pm

   Dear Menke Family~
   Tenderly, may time heal your
   sorrow. Gently, may friends ease your pain. Softly, may peace replace your heartaches. And may the warmest memories remain.

   Reply
   • Ruby’s family says:

     09/02/2023 at 8:51 pm

     Thank you so much!

     Reply
2. Sharon Johnson says:

   08/31/2023 at 8:16 am

   I am sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you and your family.

   Reply
   • Ruby’s family says:

     09/02/2023 at 9:01 pm

     Thank you very much!

     Reply
   • Ruby’s family says:

     09/02/2023 at 8:53 pm

     Thank you very much.

     Reply
   • Lynnette Cunningham Elceser says:

     08/31/2023 at 9:51 pm

     You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your mom, mother-in-law, grandma and great grandma. 🙏

     Reply
     • Ruby’s family says:

       09/02/2023 at 8:54 pm

       Thank you! It means a lot to us!

       Reply
3. Cheryl Sauerhage Teel says:

   08/30/2023 at 9:06 pm

   Sorry for your loss…she was a sweet lady. Enjoyed talking to her at church You have my deepest sympathy

   Reply
   • Ruby’s family says:

     09/02/2023 at 8:56 pm

     Thank you! She missed being at church and seeing all of you.

     Reply
4. Brooks Perry says:

   08/30/2023 at 6:47 pm

   Sorry for your loss, you all have my deepest sympathy, Prayers for you all

   Reply
   • Ruby’s family says:

     09/02/2023 at 8:57 pm

     Thank you so much.

     Reply
5. Bill & Marsha Schwartz says:

   08/30/2023 at 1:42 pm

   So very sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. She was so sweet and my Mom and her became such good friends when they lived beside each other. Things are never the same after losing your Mom, but you have wonderful memories to treasure until you meet again. Love, Sympathy and Prayers to all.

   Reply
   • Ruby’s family says:

     09/02/2023 at 8:58 pm

     Yes, they loved being neighbors and friends. Thank you for your sweet words!

     Reply
6. Paulette Ashbrook says:

   08/30/2023 at 8:26 am

   So sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. She was a very special lady and I know you will always carry such sweet memories of her.
   Alan and Paulette Ashbrook

   Reply
   • Ruby’s family says:

     09/02/2023 at 9:00 pm

     We do have wonderful memories. Thank you!

     Reply