Ruth Doelling passed away on January 2, 2012 at 9:16 a.m. in St. John’s Hospital , Springfield, Missouri. She was born May 10, 1918 in Chester, Illinois. Her parents were Walter and Ella Denny. She was married to Roy John Doelling on February 14, 1943. Roy preceded her in death in 2005.
Ruth’s family lived in several small towns in southern Illinois during her early years, eventually settling in St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from Roosevelt High School, where she met Roy, and she worked for Union Electric in St. Louis while Roy was serving in the Army during World War II.
Ruth and Roy moved to Springfield in 1959 when Roy was transferred here by the Frisco Railway. Ruth was a dedicated, longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where she was involved in many of the activities of the church.
Ruth enjoyed her family and her special neighbors who lived for many years on east University in Springfield. She spent many happy hours shopping and going to auctions in search of antiques. She was famous for her apple pies (for which Roy always volunteered to peel the apples) and her Christmas coffee cakes which she baked for her family and neighbors. She loved to read, especially Gorgette Heyer novels. She was a very caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.
Ruth leaves behind four daughters: Elizabeth Pope and her husband, Stephen, of Highlandville; Lynne Irving and her husband, John, of Jericho, Vermont; Dr. Jane Doelling, Nixa, and Sara Johnson and her husband, Don, of Springfield. She had six special grandchildren: Carolyn Pope Nichols and her husband, Jason, of Springfield; Susan Pope Sellars and her husband, Jacob, of Belton; Carl Irving of Burlington, Vermont; Katy Irving of Boston, Mass; Jennifer Ellis and Max Forrester of Nixa, and five great-grandchildren.
Ruth is also survived by a brother-in-law, Lewis Doelling, and two nephews: Larry Doelling and his wife, Kerry, and Mike Doelling.
A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2012 with the Reverend Ellen Brantley officiating. Burial will be at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church or the Council of Churches.
The family would like to thank the in-hospital hospice unit at St. John’s Hospital, and her special caregivers, Angie, Betty and Patti.