Published on February 27, 2026 2:51 pm
Last Updated on February 27, 2026 2:52 pm
Ruth Whitley, 89, of Effingham, IL passed away on February 25, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, IL. Burial will be at Arborcrest Memorial Park in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 14, 2026 prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Ruth was born December 20, 1936, in Hardin County, IL to Clarence and Geneva Hooten. She married George L. Whitley on February 10, 1957. They shared many loving years together until his passing on September 17, 2015. Ruth graduated high school and attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Over the years, she worked for the State of Illinois in Springfield, in retail sales, and held a variety of other jobs. Her greatest joy was being a loving, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved spending time with her family and being involved in their activities. Ruth enjoyed working outdoors, shopping, attending Effingham Hearts basketball games and many trips to Branson. She loved decorating for the holidays, especially Christmas, and had fun dressing up for Halloween. As an active member of Funkhouser United Methodist Church, she served as Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, Sunday morning song leader, a member of the Ladies Aid and organizer of many fellowship events.
Ruth is survived by her children: Lavonne (Bob) Ring and Diane Tieffel, both of Effingham, and Darla (Kurt) Miller of Troy, IL. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Natalie (Kyle) Stortzum, Kristen (Trent) Kreke, Holly (Jeff) Wallace, Ryan (Ashley) Tieffel, Christopher Miller (Jessica Polson), and Eric Miller. Great-grandchildren: Brady, Addysen and Isley Stortzum; Olivia, Elizabeth, and Matthew Kreke; Jordan, Hannah, Gavin, and Macey Wallace; Kennedy, Kinsley and Kohen Tieffel; and Asher and Ansel Miller. She is also survived by her sister, Wanda Shaw.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, George L. Whitley; her parents, Clarence and Geneva Hooten; father-in-law, George F. Whitley; mother-in-law, Gladys Whitley; brother-in-law, Lyle Whitley; sister-in-law, Winnie Whitley; brother-in-law, Gary Shaw; and son-in-law, David Tieffel.
Special thanks to Beth Sanders, the nurses and staff at StoneBridge Memory Care, and Transitions Hospice for the compassionate care they provided. Her family will forever cherish her love, her faith, and the many memories created throughout her life.