Ruth James

Ruth Marie James, age 68, of Mt. Sterling, Illinois passed away at 7:56 a.m. on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at her residence.

She was born April 13, 1949 in Quincy, Illinois the daughter of Paul Edward and Frances Catherine Holtschlag Schenk.   She married Douglas N. Reische on July 20, 1968 in Mt. Sterling and he preceded her in death on February 1, 1983.  She later married Jimmie James on July 8, 1987 in Henrietta, Texas and he survives.  

Mrs. James served as a food service supervisor for the Western Illinois Correctional Center in Mt. Sterling for 27 years, retiring in 2013.  She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Mt. Sterling with the class of 1967 and attended Gem City Business School in Quincy. 

Mrs. James was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Mt. Sterling.

Survivors include her husband Jimmie James of Mt. Sterling.  2 daughters Lavonne Newton (Paul) of Mt. Sterling and Michelle Barnett (Roger) of Bluffs.  2 step daughters Sandra Storey (Robby) of Nocona, Texas and Sherry Wilson (Rick) of Oklahoma.  2 brothers Robert Schenk (Judy) of Mt. Sterling and Ronald Schenk (Connie) of Mt. Sterling.  2 sisters Margaret Ann Ditto (Butch) of Quincy and Louise Clarke (John) of Tempe, Arizona.  17 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren also survive along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 1 brother Larry Schenk.

Per her request cremation rites will be accorded and a memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 8, 2018 in the Holy Family Catholic Church in Mt. Sterling with Father Steve Thompson officiating.

Private burial will be held in the Mt. Sterling Catholic Cemetery.

There will be no visitation.

Memorials are suggested to Brown County Against Cancer.

Condolences for the family may be left on line at www.hendrickerfuneralhome.com.

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is in charge of the arrangements.

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