Ruth Wilson-Schnake, 99, of Centralia, passed away at 9:45 p.m., Sunday, November 22, 2020, at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor in Mt. Vernon.
She was born in Jefferson County, on January 15, 1921, the daughter of Ben and Mary (French) Byars. On February 29, 1940, in Charleston, Missouri, she married Glen Wilson, and he preceded her in death on November 28, 1966. She then married Wesley John Schnake on January 15, 1972, in Mt. Vernon, and he preceded her in death on November 28, 1997.
She was a co-owner of Wilson Brothers General Merchandise Store in Harmony and Keenes, and the Glen Wilson Merchandise Store, and a co-owner of Farm Fresh Dairy Store in Mt. Vernon. She worked at IGA in Mt. Vernon as a checker, and then later worked with her husband at Schnake Magnavox in Centralia.
She was a member of Calumet Street Christian Church, and did a lot of volunteer work at the church through the years. She was a member of Cenaca Club, a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Mt. Vernon, and volunteered with the Salvation Army.
Mrs. Schnake is survived by one step-son, Larry Schnake and wife Barbara of Lafayette, Indiana; four step-grandchildren, Dena Fields and husband Ron of Brookston, Indiana, Kevin Schnake and wife Melissa of Jeanette, Pennsylvania, Debbie Hilerio and husband Reubin of St. Mary’s, Georgia, and Randy Friedrich and wife Charlene of Belleville, Illinois; six step-great-grandchildren; nine nieces and nephews, Betty Young of Texico, Wanda Lisenby and husband Jerry of Bluford, Joyce Henderson and husband Dewey of Linter, Illinois, Rosemary Luttrell and husband Donnie of Decatur, Dwight Chambliss and wife Peggy of Mt. Vernon, Bill Byars of Bluford, Joanne Wolfe of Granger, Indiana, Delbert Pierce and wife Marcia of Dale, Indiana, and Kaye Buretz of Bluford; and brother-in-law, Carl R. Wilson and wife Elizabeth of Texico.
In addition to her husbands, Glen Wilson and Wesley John Schnake, she was preceded in death by her parents; one step-daughter, Janice Friedrich and husband Gene of Belleville, Illinois; three brothers, Edgar Byars, Charlie Byars, and Wilroy Byars; two sisters, Doris Pierce and Martha Elizabeth Molenhour; one niece, Margie Keith; several other nieces and nephews; brother-in-law Neil Wilson and wife Imogene of Bluford.; and three sisters-in-law, Martha Warren and husband Wendell, Wilma Wilson, and Vivian Byars.
Due to the ongoing precautions surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic, a private graveside funeral service for Mrs. Schnake will be held at Garrison Temple Cemetery. Memorial Gifts may be made to Garrison Temple Cemetery, and will be accepted by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830. Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.