Ruby G. Hartje
Ruby G. Hartje, 98, of Du Quoin, died at 5:38 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, at Integrity Healthcare in Wood River.
She worked for the International Shoe Company while living in Chester in 1941.
In Anna, she was employed by Bean Jewelers for seven years then worked at the Union County Courthouse in Jonesboro for 16 years.
Mrs. Hartje was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Anna, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She most recently had been a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church in Du Quoin.
She was asked to join Beta Sigma Phi Sorority’s Chester chapter in 1946. She was a lifetime member. In her 67th year of membership, she was given the highest degree Beta Sigma Phi offers, which is titled “The Torch Bearer.” This was a special event in her life.
She was born July 24, 1923, in Fountain Bluff in Jackson County, the daughter of Arthur B.H. and Agnes Groh Dietrich.
She and her parents were members of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jacob, where she attended the Lutheran school. She graduated from Gorham Community High School in 1941.
She married William R. Hartje on Oct. 25, 1947, in St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chester in Randolph County. He preceded her in death on April 27, 2012.
She is survived by one daughter, Barbara Ann Croessman and husband John of Okawville; grandchildren Angela Nelson and husband Brian of Okawville, Alex Croessman and wife Brittany of Okawville, Andrew Croessman of Austin, Texas, and Shane Boyett of Du Quoin; great-grandchildren Sydney Pollmann and husband Trevor of Carlyle, Emily Boyett of Du Quoin, Jacob Boyett of Du Quoin, Evelyn Croessman of Okawville and Caroline Croessman of Okawville; great-great-grandchildren Lexi and Reid, both of Carlyle; one sister, Arlene Havin of St. Clair, Mo.; many nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one grandson, David William Bayles; and one brother, Edgar Dietrich.
Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Du Quoin, with the Rev. Alan Kornacki officiating.
Burial was in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Chester.
Memorials can be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery or to the charity of the donor’s choice and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin was in charge of arrangements.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.