Ruth (Benson) Novack Alper

Ruth Benson Novack Alper was born on Sept. 30, 1927 to Harry and Anna Benson (Faber), who owned a dry goods store in East St. Louis. As a teenager Ruth lost her older brother, Martin, to pneumonia, which left her as an only child. Ever since that time she hoped for a big family. After she married Joe in 1949, she had four children in five years and a fifth child four years later. By the time, Joe passed away in 1989, the lonely years she spent without a sibling were mostly forgotten. Ruth remarried Irvin Alper in 1993 and was thrilled to inherit a bonus family of three more adult children and lots of in-laws.

After graduating from East St. Louis High School, Ruth attended what was then called business school, focusing on bookkeeping. She finished the course in record time and took a job keeping books for a liquor distributor. Her bookkeeping was so meticulous that she pinpointed the exact spot in the company's process flow where a longtime employee was skimming product. Later she used these same detail-oriented skills to help her husband Joe build the family construction company.

Ruth loved being around people and had lots of friends. She loved parties--both attending them and throwing them. For many years she enjoyed meeting her friends weekly to socialize and play Rummy Que or a game of cards.

She loved volunteering and spent many years serving on the executive boards of various groups at Nusach Hari-B'nai Zion. She also volunteered for many years with Meals on Wheels.

Family remained the most important thing to her throughout her life. And all holidays—Jewish holidays as well as holidays like Thanksgiving—were great times to share with family. Despite some losses along the way, Ruth lived a long life and a happy life that exceeded her most optimistic expectations.

She passed away on Oct. 27, 2024 at age 97. Beloved wife of the late Joseph Ephraim Novack and the late Irvin Alper; dear mother of Marlene Novack (Barry Strauss), Aaron Novack (Nancy Jo Novack), the late Neal Novack (Cindy Novack), Janice Parker (Michael Parker) and Sheri Novack (Kerry Meyer); loving stepmother to Lenny Alper (Fran Alper), Carolyn Satz (Larry Satz), and Gloria Schonbrun (Scott Schonbrun). Devoted grandmother to 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service Wednesday, October 30 at 1 PM at BERGER MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 9430 Olive Boulevard. The family will receive friends at 12:30 PM. Interment follows at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. If you are so inclined, donations can be made to Crown Center for Senior Living or an organization of your choice. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information.