Ruth Rasche

Our Mother, Ruth Anna Jones Roberson Rasche moved from this world with her son, Derrick and myself by her side at her home in Dorsey on February 20, 2025. She was born in Granite City, Illinois to Elta and Elsie Holliday Jones on January 21, 1941.

We have known for some time we would have to let her go, but how do you sum up a life in a few words?

Not only did she work outside the home, eventually retiring from the Madison County Sheltered Care, but she raised six children.

From her first marriage to Everet Dean Roberson, she had two children, Tina of Dorsey and David who passed on May 26, 2023.

In 1967, she married Herbert Lee Rasche and they remained married until he passed in 1993. In a period of three years and nine months mom gave birth to four children with dad. I believe their record still stands.

Those children are myself, Dana and husband, David Eckhardt of Worden, Bobby Rasche whom passed November 21, 2021, Brian Rasche who passed October 6, 1993 and Derrick Rasche of Dorsey.

I remember a childhood filled with laughter and joy mixed with the sadness we all have. But isn’t it funny the older you get, the laughter and joy seem to temper the sadness.

We were very fortunate to have a large family. I thank both my parents for all the wonderful memories. It’s a cherished thought they are together again.

One thing I must mention about Mom is how she could cook. She could have been a professional chef. When I started dating my husband, his first meal at my home included ten homemade pies. She always took credit for my marriage!

There’s so much more I could say, but there’s not enough room or time.

Mom was also preceded in death by her parents and in-laws, Robert Lee and Laura Cozette Rasche; her sister-in-law, Addie Rasche; her siblings and their spouses, Wilma, Bill, Jerry and Daisy, Donnie and Joann and Bobby in infancy and stepson, Herbert Rasche Jr.

She is also survived by my children, Kristi Harper and her boyfriend, Matt Sawicki and Samuel Eckhardt; great granddaughter, Edith Harper and her father, Jim Harper; her late son, David’s sons, Shawn and Chad Roberson; a stepson, Mark Rasche and his sons, Mark Jr. and Colton Rasche; many cherished nieces and nephews and their children; other extended family and friends.

I’d like to thank my cousins, Kim and Todd Solley for their many visits to Mom and especially the joy Todd brought her. My cousin, Davey Jones and his sons for bringing his grandbabies to see Mom. She loved seeing the babies. Also, Pastor David and his wife, Ruthie and Chaplain Ryan Harris for bringing her comfort.

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” ~ Proverbs 31:31

In celebration of her life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 12:00 noon with Pastor David Brimm officiating.

She will be laid to rest with her family that has gone before at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon. Memorials may be made to Bethel Chapel in Granite City and may be accepted at the funeral chapel. www.irwinchapel.com

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” ~ Isaiah 66:13