FREEMAN SPUR – Alma Ruth Patterson, 98, of Freeman Spur, Illinois (formerly of DuQuoin), passed away at 3:40pm, Saturday, September 2, 2023 at home surrounded by her loved ones.

Ruth was born in Cutler, Illinois, on November 28, 1924, the daughter of Luther and Mary Edith Turner. She married Willard Patterson on July 4, 1942 and they shared 63 wonderful years. Together they had three children, Willard Dean Patterson, Patricia Ann Throop and Billie Jean Royster.

Ruth was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and had a true servant's heart caring for her family and so many others. She was a true embodiment of a virtuous woman as written in Proverbs 31:10-31. Ruth was a faithful woman of God who could be heard quietly praying "My Lord & My God" often for those she loved. She attended Landmark Apostolic Church in Sparta and has left a Godly heritage for six generations.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Patricia Ann Throop of Freeman Spur, IL; 10 grandchildren Tina Crum, Carol (Shawn) Baldi, Angel (Mitch) Cooper, Curt (Bridget) Throop, Dawn (Joe) Brandon, Mike (Amy) Patterson, Chris (Elizabeth) Patterson, Jeff (Leah) Patterson, Doug (Kathy) Hammel, Sherry (Roger) Blacklock; 24 great grandchildren; 21 great-great grandchildren; 3 great-great-great grandchildren.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings; her husband, Willard Patterson; one son, Willard Dean Patterson; one daughter, Billie Jean Royster, two sons-in-law, William Richard Royster and Thomas Dale Throop; two great grandchildren, Chelsie Nicole Brandon and Jakeb David Race Patterson; one great-great grandchild, Ellie Danielle Heller.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am until time of service at 2:00 pm Wednesday, September 6 th at Wilson's Funeral Home in Steeleville, IL with Pastor Doug Rice officiating. Burial will follow at Cutler Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the funeral home to assist the family with funeral expenses and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.