Violet Ruth Deardorff, 95, of Morrisonville passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, surrounded by family.

Ruth was born August 17, 1928, to Luvina Druzilla (Pope) and Orin Lee Ryan of Morrisonville.  She was proud to have been a teacher in the one-room Mound and Shiloh Schools.  Ruth also worked as a bookkeeper for the Farmer’s Grain in Palmer.  In 1949, she married Robert Earl Deardorff of Morrisonville.  Ruth was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Morrisonville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her oldest son, Robert K. Deardorff; her granddaughter, Amanda K. Deardorff; and her son-in-law, David Pieplow.

Ruth is survived by her sister, Nita Joyce Large; daughters, Denna (Alan) Achenbach of Taylorville, and Erla Pieplow of Collinsville; son, Samuel C. (Kristy) Deardorff of Versailles; daughter-in-law, Brenda Deardorff of Morrisonville; eight grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.

Ruth was proud to have lived in Morrisonville for the majority of her life. She loved her family dearly and often said her idea of perfect happiness was to be with any and all of her family. Throughout her life, Ruth was happy to spend time tending her garden and orchard, working her sheep, sewing beautiful clothing, crocheting, baking, reading, and journaling.  She loved to share her love of books with everyone and was never to be seen without a stack of soon-to-be-read books next to her chair.  Throughout her life, she also loved to go on adventures and family travels to Minnesota for fishing trips and excursions to Alaska were lasting memories. She loved her family and friends and lived her life to the fullest.

Private graveside ceremonies will be held at Morrisonville Cemetery with Rev. Jim Ferrill officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ruth’s honor may be made to: Kitchell Memorial Library, PO Box 49, Morrisonville, IL 62546, or First Presbyterian Church, 111 North Street, Morrisonville, IL 62546.

The family has entrusted Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Morrisonville with ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Ruth, or to offer condolences to her family.