Ruby G. Hartje of Du Quoin

Ruby G. Hartje, 98, of Du Quoin, passed away at 5:38 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021 at the Integrity Healthcare in Wood River, Illinois.

Ruby worked for the International Shoe Company while living in Chester, Illinois 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.

Ruby 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.

Ruby was asked to join the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, 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 entitled, "The Torch Bearer." This was a special event in her life.

She was born July 24, 1923 in Fountain Bluff, Jackson County, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur B.H. and Agnes (Groh) Dietrich. Ruby and her parents were members of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jacob, where she attended the Lutheran school there. She graduated from Gorham Community High School in 1941.

Ruby was married to William R. Hartje on Oct. 25, 1947 in St. John's Lutheran Church in Chester, Randolph County, Illinois, and he preceded her in death on April 27, 2012.

Ruby is survived by one daughter, Barbara Ann Croessman and husband John of Okawville, Illinois; 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; and one sister, Arlene Havin of St. Clair, Missouri; many nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one grandson, David William Bayles; and one brother, Edgar Dietrich.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Du Quoin with the Rev. Alan Kornacki officiating.

Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the church.

Please use social distancing guidelines. Everyone in attendance is required to wear a mask.

Burial will be in the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery at Chester.

Friends may make memorials to the Bethel Lutheran Church, St. John's Lutheran Cemetery or the donor's choice and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.