Ruth Ann (Brauer) Ficker, 80, of Jerseyville, Ill., died on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022, just four days shy of her 81st birthday. She was the daughter of Louis and Alma (Oettel) Brauer of Staunton and was married to John Ficker.

Ruth graduated from Staunton High School and attended Eastern Illinois University, married, had two children and worked for Staunton Community Memorial Hospital as a laboratory/x-ray secretary before becoming Dr. Lee Johnson's right-hand medical secretary. While there, she finished her degree at SIUE graduating with a B.S. in Business Education. Upon graduating, she was hired to teach business at Carrollton High School where she spent the next 31 years. She served on the library board for several years, and was a founding member of the JCH Ambulance Association Committee. Ruth enjoyed traveling and attending the grandchildren's sporting events. She was a huge Cardinal fan, a voracious reader, and loved to garden. Most important to her was her faith, family and friends.

Surviving are her daughter, Merilee and her children, Rylee, Finnegan, Kennedy and Ryan; her daughter-in-law, Karen Ficker and her and Stephen's children, Emily (Chad) Craig, Zachary (Maggie), Samuel (fiancé Sydney); five great-grandchildren; brother, Dean; and extended family and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents; her son, Stephen; siblings, Robert, Loren and Eldred "Jumbo" Brauer.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Hope Lutheran Church in Jerseyville. Burial followed at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville.

Memorials are suggested to Hope Lutheran Church or the Jerseyville Library. Condolences may be left online at shields-bishopfh.com. Shields-Bishop Funeral Home in Greenfield was in charge of arrangements.