Ruth E. Jennings, 85 of Effingham, passed away at 6:50 a.m. Monday, June 20, 2016 at Cedarhurst Memory Care in Edwardsville.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 23, 2016 at First Christian Church in Effingham with burial in Oakridge Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to time of service, Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Cross Foundation, P.O. Box 1103, Effingham, Il 62401 or Alzheimer's Association - St. Louis Chapter, 9370 Olive Road, St. Louis, MO 63121. Donations may also be received at the church during the time of services.

Ruth was born February 20, 1931 in Elliotstown, the daughter of Clarence and Elsie (Knutson) Gephart. She married L. R. "Butch" Jennings on March 13, 1949. Together they owned Jennings Sporting Goods in Effingham from 1966 to 1988. "Butch" was former Sheriff of Effingham County, while Ruth served alongside him. She was also a member of First Christian Church in Effingham.

Ruth is survived by her two sons, Bradley (Susan) of Effingham and Kris (Pam) of Hilliard, Ohio; three grandchildren, Joshua (Amy) Jennings, Kristy (Aaron) Sheffield and Sarah Jennings; four great-grandchildren, Nando Jennings, Rosalie, Simon and Marianna Sheffield.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother, Jessie Gephart; husband, "Butch"; two brothers, Dennis and Dale Gephart; two sisters, Florence Elliot and Edith Horath.