STEELEVILLE - Ruth M. Joost, 90, of Steeleville, IL, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at Delmar Gardens in O'Fallon, MO. Ruth was born on September 9, 1921 in Steeleville the daughter of George W. and Grace L. Schilling Harmsen. She married Elmer A. Joost on June 24, 1943 in Alberta, Canada. He preceded her in death on June 5, 1991. Ruth was a homemaker. She was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church, Steeleville; the past president of the LCW and member of the Altar Guild. She was the former church secretary and was a former Sunday School teacher having taught for 40 years. She was active in all aspects of the church. She is survived by her children, Kathy (Jerry) Mortenson of St. Charles, MO, Mary (Lanny) Yocom of Hartselle, AL, Richard (Julie) Joost of Waterloo, IL and David (Margaret) Joost of Oak Forest, IL; 9 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; one brother, Harold (Jean) Harmsen of Steeleville; and a host of nieces and nephews. Ruth was also preceded in death by her parents. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Steeleville with Rev. S. Blake Duncan. Burial will follow in Paradise Cemetery. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville where friends may call from 6 to 8 pm Monday and on Tuesday from 7:30 am until 11 am then from 12 to 1 pm at the church. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimers Foundation or Lutheran Family and Children Service.