Anderson, Ruth
d. April 7, 2012
Ruth Jefferies Anderson, 86, of Springfield, passed away on April 4, 2012 at her home at Jefferies’ Orchard.
She is survived by her children, Shann (Joseph) Elble of Normal, and JC (Shelly) Anderson of O’Fallon, MO; grandchildren, J. Ben and Addison; great-grandchildren, J.B., Logan, and Charlie; and a beloved sister, Constance Behrman, and scores of cousins, nieces & nephews of whom she thought the world. Ruth was born November 7, 1925 in Springfield, IL, the daughter of Albert Emory and Helena Schlitt Jefferies.
She was preceded in death by her husband and soul mate Harry in 1999, and by a dear brother, the late Albert Jefferies.
A woman ahead of her time, using her analytical mind to compete in a man’s world, Ruth became the first woman Driver’s License Examiner in the State of Illinois. Vastly proud of her children & grandchildren’s accomplishments, their passions became hers. Golf, music, theater and helping those with special needs were all important to her. Her greatest pride was the family farm, Jefferies Orchard. Working long hours from the time she was a small child, she was the face of the orchard, gladly imparting her knowledge of cooking, canning and gardening to the customers and friends who visited the market.
The family would like to thank Memorial Hospice and special caregivers, Barb, Cathy, Dena & Jamie for their kindness and support.
Visitation will be held at Mott & Henning Funeral Home, where friends may call from 4 to 7 PM on Monday, April 9, 2012. Funeral service there at 10 AM on Tuesday, April 10. Rev. Thomas Radtke officiating. Burial will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Springfield, or to the Children’s Association for Maximum Potential “Camp C.A.M.P.” at PO Box 27086 San Antonio, TX. 78227 or www.campcamp.org
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Posted April 7th, 2012 at 7:06 pm
JC and family, sorry for your loss. I remember your mom seated in the bleachers at Trinity School as you played basketball. Fond memories of picking strawberries at the farm as well. Take care.
Posted April 8th, 2012 at 7:25 am
To JC and family,
I’m sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. I remember you telling me not long ago that the last few years had been challenging for her, so I’m glad she’s in a more restful place now. When I think of your mom, I’ll always remember chatting with her at some local golf course where you’d be playing. She was clearly a very proud mom.
Again, I’m sorry for your loss. Best of luck to all of you in the future!
Posted April 9th, 2012 at 9:27 am
It may seem strange for someone my age to consider Ruth a dear friend but in the past few years she has been so kind to me and always very helpful with all my silly questions. She holds a special place in my heart and I will always remember the twinkle in her eye and the smile on her face when I held her hand just a few weeks ago. She will be dearly missed.
Love, “The Jam Lady”
Posted April 10th, 2012 at 8:22 am
So very sorry to read of your mother’s death and want to extend our deepest sympathy to you all. We were unable at the last minute to attend the visitation and personally extend our sympathy; however, we have many fond memories; not only from the orchard but from when we use to go to the old Parkview restaurant and see she and your Dad whom I worked with at DCCA. May God be with you all during this sad time in your life. We know she will be missed by all.