Ruth Keefe

Ruth Ann Keefe, 83, died peacefully on May 9, 2026, after a quiet and merciful final passage that stood in contrast to the way she lived: fully, warmly, and in joyful connection with the people around her. Hers was a life stitched together by the countless connections she nurtured over eight decades in the same Illinois community she called home. In a life rich with connection, she navigated her roles with humor, loyalty and an instinct for keeping people connected.

Ruth Ann was born on October 20, 1942, daughter to Harold and Elveta Goebel, and sister to Don Goebel, all of whom preceded her in death. She was the proud mother of two children, Brian Keefe (wife Janis) and Jennifer Mudge (husband Bill), whose adventures and accomplishments she celebrated with a fierce and joyful pride. And she was the grandmother of Peyton, Ross, and Caroline, around whom she believed the sun and moon orbited. They were her delight, her bragging rights, her reason to beam in every card game and social event.

Ruth Ann found love again with Dean Truetzschler, a devoted partner who walked beside her through years marked by joys, transitions and new life experiences. Together they built a new life chapter, marked by heartfelt connection.

And then there is her extended family, a network that stretched across generations and occasions. Her brother’s family, her cousins, and the children and grandchildren of that family circle - gathered for christenings, graduations, and other milestone events, but also for the stuff in between that defines a life: canoe trips, vacations, and the annual slate of Christmas gatherings. Ruth Ann was the connective tissue in this family, someone who remembered every date, every story, every person’s place in the tapestry.

Her gift for connection extended well beyond family. Ruth Ann remained close to friends from Civic Memorial High School, even sharing regular lunches with this group more than sixty years after graduation. From her first job after high school came a monthly card club of co-workers that lasted five decades. The same women, the same laughter, stories written over a lifetime.

For two decades, Ruth Ann served Bethalto’s law enforcement community through her work at the Police Department. She offered competence, loyalty and a kind of maternal steadiness - and in return found dignity, purpose and a sense of being looked after long beyond retirement.  

Her faith was another lifelong source of connection. A lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, Ruth Ann found spiritual nourishment and fellowship there. She volunteered at her children’s school, later in the school library, always supporting the life of the church and school community she loved.  

In the years surrounding retirement, Ruth Ann began another chapter at Parkside Estates, where she once joked that she was the youngest person there. Over time, though, that neighborhood became yet another community, where she ultimately grew into leadership roles in both the homeowner’s association and the scooter parades that brought delight to the streets on holidays.  

And in her final season, when her physical abilities began to fade, she found unexpected joy at The Villas of Hollybrook. What began with apprehension about assisted living, softened into days filled with laughter at communal meals, bingo games, activity groups, and happy hours.

Ruth Ann Keefe lived a life of connection across many communities, threaded through with family, friendship, faith, and the everyday rituals that make every place feel like a home.

In one final reflection of her deep love for family, the last person she asked to see was her granddaughter, Peyton. Shortly after a meaningful visit with Peyton, Ruth Ann passed peacefully.  

Her family invites the many communities she touched to join them in celebrating her life. Visitation will be held at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 4 to 7 PM. An additional visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM, with burial to follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.