Ruth C. Emge

Ruth is survived by her sister, Frances Emge Hage of Chatham IL; brother-in-law, Kenneth Hage of Chatham, IL; many nieces and nephews; and grand-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvis and Angela Emge; sister, Rosemary Wesolik; brother, Louis Emge; and her namesake niece, Laura Ruth Schemmer.

Ruth was born on January 18, 1936, and raised in New Athens, Illinois. Ruth earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and Master of Library Science from the University of Denver. Her career as librarian began in Glenview, Illinois, followed by over a decade of service as a librarian with the Department of Defense schools in Germany, England, Morocco, and Ethiopia. Until her retirement, Ruth served as a Program Specialist with the Illinois State Board of Education in Springfield, Illinois.

After retirement, Ruth continued to traverse the globe and enjoyed extensive travel throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. She was an active participant in the wellness and trivia activities of Concordia Village. Ruth attended Christ the King Catholic Church in Springfield, Illinois.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

A family hosted Catholic Mass will be held at St. Agatha’s Catholic Church, 549 Mill St., New Athens, IL 62264 on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. CST. Visitation will precede the mass beginning at 10:00 a.m. CST.

Burial services will be at St. Agatha’s Catholic Cemetery following mass. The family will then host a luncheon at St. Agatha’s Parish Hall.

The family will host a Memorial Service at Concordia Village, 4101 West Iles, Springfield, IL on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. CST.

Memorials may be made to the Concordia Village Scholarship Fund, 4101 West Iles, Springfield, IL 62711 or Springfield Catholic Charities, 120 S. 11th Street, Springfield, IL 62703.

The family was served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield, IL 62703.