Ruth A. Gallagher, 82, of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, passed away at 10:58 am, Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Bradford Place, Swansea, Illinois.
She was born to the late Herman and Bernice (nee Hergenroeder) Zeiger on July 24, 1943, in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois.
Ruth married William “Bill” Paul Gallagher on April 10, 1978, in Belleville, Illinois; he preceded her in death on January 18, 2021.
She had worked at St. Clement’s Hospital in Red Bud, Illinois, in the dietary department for over 20 years.
Ruth was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Renault, Illinois, and the American Legion Auxiliary in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois. She enjoyed spending her time working in her garden, canning vegetables, and making quilts. She loved playing bingo, but most of all, she loved spending time with her family. In the last couple of years, she enjoyed coloring pictures.
Survivors:
3 Children:
John (Marikay) Kirkley St. Louis, MO
Deanna Atkins Prairie du Rocher, IL
Dale Kirkley Waterloo, IL
2 Siblings:
Richard Zeiger (Special Friend Patti Cissell) Waterloo, IL
Mary Steibel (Special Friend Gerald Whelan) Prairie du Rocher, IL
9 Grandchildren:
Thomas Bievenue, Brandy Kirkley, Scott (April) Kirkley, Alicia (Ian) Gunn, John Kirkley Jr., Crystal (Greg) Atkins, Sara (Tanner) Merz, Ben Atkins (Jenny Oakley), and Kaitlyn Kirkley
11 Great Grandchildren:
Anthony, Makayla, Cole, Jacob, Luke, Liam, Louise, June, Cash, Lillie, Amelia, and another great-grandchild due in September
Several Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and many Friends
Preceded in death by: Parents, Husband, 1 Daughter – Kimberly Ann Kirkley, and 3 Brothers – James (Mary Ellen) Zeiger, Billy Zeiger, and Kenneth Zeiger
Funeral Mass:
10:00 am, Thursday, August 14, 2025
Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Renault, IL
Officiating:
Fr. John Kizhakedan
Msgr. Daniel J. Jurek
Interment:
St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery
Renault, Illinois
Visitation:
Wednesday– 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pechacek Funeral Homes, Red Bud, Illinois
Thursday – 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Renault, IL
Memorials:
Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Renault, IL
Alzheimer’s Association