Ruth was born in Equality, Illinois in 1945 to John Anthony and Annabelle Crest. She graduated from Equality High School and was crowned Popcorn Queen before marrying Martin “Bud” Colbert in 1964.
Bud and Ruth began their married life in Hammond, Indiana before moving to St John in 1974 where they raised three children.
Most people will remember her for her kindness and big heart. She made everyone feel welcome at her house. Ruthie would always have something for you to eat or get you a glass of iced tea. You were a guest just once, and then you were encouraged to make yourself at home. She opened her house to friends on holidays to make sure no one spent them alone, making sure they had a plate of cookies to take home with them.
She frequently could be found at the piano playing “St Louis Blues” or Christmas carols. She encouraged all of her kids to take piano lessons; some stuck with it longer than others.
In her later years, she became a voracious reader - newspapers, books, whatever she could get her hands on. She was a regular at the public library and at some point, she read more than 365 books in a year!
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Bud; parents John and Annabelle; and sisters Ruby Syers, Nancy Miller, and Reita Church.
She is survived by daughters Deb (Chris) Himsel, Lynné (Sam Adams) Colbert, and son Marty (Lorri) Colbert; grandchildren Samantha (David) Frederick and Ryan Colbert; Andrew, Ella, Matthew, William and Ethan Himsel; step grandchildren Nick (Lupita) Nowell and Jeff Nowell; step great-grandchildren Landyn, Alaina, and Elisa Nowell; brother John David (Tami) Crest; sister-in-laws Sandra (Jim) Frohock, Brenda Wood, and brother-in-law Ronald (Nancy) Colbert; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Monday, November 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Vickery Funeral Chapel in Equality, IL. Burial will be in Colbert Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home.
Join family and friends to celebrate Ruth’s life on Saturday, November 14 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Schererville Community Center, 500 East Joliet St, Schererville, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
