Ruth H. Nessl
July 12, 1917 ~ May 10, 2019
Ruth H. Nessl, 101, of Sorento, IL, passed away at 1:20 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2019 at Cedarhurst of Greenville.
Ruth was born July 12, 1917 in Reno, IL, the daughter of Bessie M. (Edwards) Bills. She was raised in Reno by her grandparents, Albert and Nancy Edwards. Ruth married Carl Smith in February of 1934, and he preceded her in death. She then married Harold Nessl in May of 1946, and he too preceded her in death.
During World War II, Ruth worked for Small Arms in St. Louis, MO, while taking care of her mother, sister, grandparents, and raising her daughter. She then went on to work for Olin’s in East Alton, IL for 40 years, where she was known as “Ruthie the Riveter.” Ruth devoted her life to her family and faith. She was a member of the Reno Baptist Church for over 90 years, where she taught Sunday School and led various Bible studies. Ruth enjoyed quilting for her family, especially her grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by her sister, Bessie “June” Bean; and son-in-law, Cliff Sidwell.
Ruth is survived by her daughter, L. Nadine (Garold) Christian of Sorento, IL; grandchildren, Stephen (Linda) Sidwell of Alhambra, IL, Stacey (Pam) Sidwell of Sorento, IL, and Sharon (Eldon) Young of Sorento, IL; 5 great grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; niece, Sandra Jordan of Alton, IL; and nephews, Dennis Tosh of Worden, IL, and Jeff Bean of Savannah, GA.
Visitation: The family will receive guests from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home, 201 S. Main St., Sorento, IL 62086.
Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Sorento, with Rev. Frank Loskot, Jr. and Rev. Robert Carter officiating.
Interment will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery in Sorento, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Reno Baptist Church, 661 16th Ave., Reno, IL 62246.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.
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Ruth was such a blessing to my family and a dearly loved friend of our mother. She will be missed
Ruth was a very sweet lady
I had the pleasure of meeting Ruth at the 2014 Brewer-White Reunion. We became fast friends and discovered that she was my Grandfather Elisha Brewer’s first cousin. Elisha’s son Louis was my father but Dad unfortunately never knew Ruth. From that day in September 2014, Ruth and I had a gabfest. We corresponded and spoke on the phone and grew ever closer. We listened to the Gaither Family on t.v. together and had many enjoyable visits to the Dairy Queen. I shared family photos and she shared some of hers and even sent me pictures of her grandchildren in one of her letters. I have saved the book of poems she gave me and every letter she wrote.
Ruth was a rare gem and showed me by example how to live in God with grace and love. She must have tired from my many family questions but never complained. She even showed me the entrance of my Great-Grandparent’s home in Sorento, and it was a wonderful feeling to walk in the area where they once walked. One time when I came from Matteson, IL to Sorento, I called Ruth and asked if she was up to a visit. I told her I could pick up some KFC for us, and she said that would be fine. When I got to her home she had the table set with her best dishes and candles lit for our dinner! KFC never tasted as good as that evening and never will.
Ruth made me feel special every chance she got and I tried to do the same. Her letters were full of loving feelings for her family and for me. I must admit she let me into her life and heart and I warmly opened the door to mine. I will probably never find anyone like her again in this lifetime, but then I think how could I? Ruth was irreplaceable.
A Grandma’s Garden Table Basket was ordered on May 12, 2019
My deepest sympathy.🌻🐝
A Ray of Sunshine was sent on May 13, 2019
Our deepest sympathy for your loss- Marathon Pipe Line, Wood River
I grew up in Reno so our family has always known Ruth. She was an amazing Christian woman and faithful servant of God. My sister and I visited with her a few months before her passing and her focus was on how many people she could lead to the Lord before she was gone. I know she’s in heaven celebrating with friends and family. The whole Warren family will always remember her fondly as a great teacher and friend.
A Monet’s Garden Basket was sent on May 14, 2019
From Alice’s daughters to Ruth’s family. We loved Ruth she was mom’s dearest friend. We will always remember the fun they had together and the funny stories.
Sharyn just e-mailed me and told me about Ruth. She was a truly Christian woman. She gave me a book of her poems a long time ago and they were fantastic. Candy (Kline) Oettel
Thank you MPL Wood River. We appreciate the beautiful floral arrangement and kind words of sympathy.