Ruth Ann (Holstrum) Childers, 82, of Olney, died on September 24, 2020 at Helia Healthcare in Olney.  She was born on January 12, 1938 in Henry County, Illinois, the daughter of Chester LaVerne Holstrum and Ruth (Jackson).

Ruth graduated from Olney High School in 1955 and then graduated from U of I in 1960 with a degree in Home Economics. She achieved her Masters in Information Science from Illinois State University. Ruth was head librarian at the Olney Public Library for 21 years. She wrote the State grant paperwork that led to Olney being one of four libraries built in Illinois in 1990. Ruth enjoyed her career at the library and liked reading books and sharing that love with others. She also took pleasure in collecting glass and going to auctions. Ruth loved spending time with her family and believed that her first job was raising her family. Ruth was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Ruth is survived by son, Raymond Childers, daughters, Jan (Mark) Marie Burton and Amy Jo Childers; sisters, Roberta Holstrum, Janice (Marshel) Poff; brother, James (Becky) Holstrum; 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and 4 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one grandchild.

A Funeral Service for Ruth will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney, with a visitation beginning one hour prior. Burial will follow immediately after at Crest Have Memorial Park in Claremont, Illinois.

Memorials can be made to the Olney Public Library.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney – September 25, 2020