Ruth Holleman

Ruth Mary Holleman, 78, died at 1:00 a.m., Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Mery Medical Center in St. Louis, Mo.She was born in Calhoun County on Jan. 3, 1934, and was the youngest & only daughter of six children born to the late Ben & Elizabeth (Knese) Balke.Ruth grew up in Meppen, and graduated from Hardin High School.  She married Ellis V. Holleman on June 25, 1960 at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, and they have shared nearly 52 years of marriage.She was employed as a legal secretary for over 30 years for Moore, Goetten & Russell of Jerseyville, and upon her retirement she became an independent abstractor.Those that knew her well will attest to Ruth's great love a golf, and a good game of bridge or gin with good friends.Surviving are her husband, Ellis V. Holleman of Jerseyville; a daughter, Kelli Holleman of Jerseyville; two brothers, Bishop Victor Balke of Moorehead, Mn., and Ralph Balke of Alton; and a sister in law, Marge Balke of Colorado Springs, Co.; along with numerous nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Bernard Balke, Burdette Balke, and Harold Balke.Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where a Rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m.A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m., Wednesday at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with her brother, Bishop Victor Balke and Father William Hembrow officiating.Burial will be in the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Jerseyville.Memorials may be given to the St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools in Jerseyville.