STEELEVILLE — Marion L. Ruebke, 88, of Steeleville, passed away peacefully at 1:41 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026 at her daughter, Gloria’s home in Columbia, Illinois, where she had been lovingly cared for over the past two years.

She was born March 29, 1938, in Chester, Illinois, the daughter of Dominic and Bertha (Jany) Bert. On August 22, 1959, Marion married Vernon Ruebke at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chester, Illinois. Together, they shared 50 years of marriage before his passing on August 18, 2010.

Marion dedicated many years as a cook for the kids at the Steeleville Grade School—a job she truly loved. Marion was a faithful and devoted member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Sparta.Her hands were rarely still. Marion loved baking, quilting, playing cards, and, above all, spending time with her family. In her later years, she embraced simple pleasures with finding comfort and entertainment in Hallmark movies, reading and puzzles.

She is survived by her children: Bruce (Kimberly) Ruebke of Steeleville, Judy Mayer of Pinckneyville, and Gloria Jahr of Columbia. Marion was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren: Rebecca (Jared) Nobbe, Nathaniel (Autumn) Ruebke, Natalie (Kory) Liefer, Katelyn (Wes) Fisher, Brittney (Dan) Harris, and Casey (Lindsey) Jahr; and her great-grandchildren: Aiden, Noah, and Adelynn Nobbe; Oaklee and Bo Ruebke; Eleanor, Eli, and Owen Liefer; and Lyle Jahr. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vernon; her son, David; her sons-in-law, Theodore Mayer and Craig Jahr; her brothers, Albert, Leo, John, and Raymond Bert; and her sisters Catherine Regan, Sister Berthella Bert, Velma Soest, and Sister Rita Bert.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 pm on Wednesday, August 19 and 7:30 am to 9:30 am Thursday, August 20 at the Wilson Funeral Home in Steeleville, Illinois.

Funeral Mass will be Thursday, August 20 at 10 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Sparta, Illinois and officiated by Father Sebastian. Interment will be at Paradise Cemetery in Steeleville. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.