Ruth Michelle Pohlman

Ruth Michelle Pohlman, 84, of Springfield, peacefully went to Heaven in the comfort of her home surrounded by all of her family on Friday, March 18, 2022. She fought a long and debilitating battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Ruth was born on November 17, 1937, in Springfield, IL. She was the sixth of nine children born to Joseph and Lois Argus Shaughnessy, and the north end remained her home until her marriage in 1969. Ruthy married Richard (Dick) Pohlman on September 27th, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Springfield, IL. Together they celebrated 52 years of marriage which was rooted in strong faith, selfless love, and endless commitment to their family.

Ruth graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1955 and attended Springfield Junior College. During her professional career, she worked for Dr. Fenton Drake, the Steel Founders Society of America in Cleveland, OH, and the Illinois Council for Branch Banking. Ruth also served as Secretary for the Springfield Pharmaceutical Association Auxiliary.

She was a devout Catholic and relied on her faith for guidance in her daily life. Ruth was a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish for over 52 years, praying a weekly holy hour in the Adoration Chapel until she was unable to continue in person. She volunteered at the Catholic Times, where she read for the visually impaired and was passionate about the Right to Life organization.

At the age of 32, Ruth became a mom and was blessed with 7 children in 9 years. She modeled faith, humility, love, and dedication to her family while also caring for their daughter, Ann, who battled a lifelong illness. Because of her nurturing way, no one ever left the Pohlman house hungry. There were always extra seats at the table and conversations lasting long after the meal ended. Ruth will always be remembered for her family celebrations, including numerous birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. She was the “best mom in the whole wide world” to her children for the rest of her life.

After her children were raised, Ruth and Dick enjoyed traveling, which often included their children and families. They loved their retirement years as a couple while creating memories and building a foundation for togetherness.

One of her greatest joys was being “Nana” to 14 grandchildren who adored her silly antics and fun outings around town. A trip to Nana's house included treats, donuts, dancing, and “Don-Dons”. Although she was unable to continue to do these things because of her illness, she inspired them in many other ways in her final years.

Ruth was preceded in death by her daughter, Ann; her parents; sisters, Mary Lou Brennan and Dodie Reid; and several brothers-in-law.

She is survived by her husband and six children: Rick (wife, Vanessa) of Springfield, Mike (wife, Tamie) of Fort Myers, FL., Lynn (husband, Byron) of Champaign, Kate (husband, Rick) of Edwardsville, Mary (husband, Brian) of Bloomington and Steve of Springfield; 14 grandchildren: Taylor, Abby, and Mary Pohlman; Joseph, Jacob, and Jenna Pohlman; Nick and Lizzie Yonce; Emma, Grace, and Lucy Malawy; and Leah, Katie, and Charlie Stratman; one brother, Joseph Shaughnessy, Jr. of St. Louis; five sisters: Arzy Staten and Lois Jirgal of Springfield, Barby Sams of Ohio, Kitty Monahan of Indiana, and Patti Adams of St. Louis; and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation: Family will receive relatives and friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m.

A concelebrated Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Blessed Sacrament Church with the Rev. Jeff Grant and Rev. Daniel G. Shaughnessy, Dick and Ruth’s nephew, celebrants.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Adoration Chapel, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield, IL 62704.

Our family would like to especially thank Aunt Lolly, Mimi Reid, John LoGrasso, R.N., and Linda Myers for their selfless love and care of Ruthy for many years. Along with Dick, this compassionate team allowed for her to remain in her home for the last years of her life.

The family of Ruth Pohlman is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.