Ruth H. ZERKEL

Ruth H. Clinton, 90, of Olney passed away Sunday evening, October 25, 2020 from complications of Covid-19 at Richland Nursing & Rehab in Olney. Ruth Helen (Zerkel) Clinton was born on June 2, 1930 in Clay County to Clarna G. and Agnes (Gross) Zerkel. She attended Pleasant Dale country school in Pixley Township, Clay County. She also attended Noble High School. After graduation in 1948, she worked at Clay County Farm Bureau in Louisville, IL until her marriage to James T. Clinton on March 30, 1951. She lived in Noble, IL until July 1982 when she and James moved to Olney. Ruth was a very talented seamstress and passed on her love of sewing to both of her daughters. She worked at Musgrove Apparel doing alterations for 7 years and did clothing alterations at home for 20 years. She also worked at Kex Products for 18 years. She was a long-time member of Freedom Baptist Church north of Noble, where she served as pianist for several years. Her children have many fond memories of sitting with her at the piano, singing church hymns and children’s songs. Ruth was a wonderful cook and enjoyed making big meals for her family. Her children and many others especially loved her homemade pies. Her husband James (Jim) Taylor Clinton preceded her in death on May 10, 2012. She is survived by son Richard (Karen) of Olney, daughter Janice of Olney, daughter Brenda (Steve) Francis of Olney, and son Paul D. (Sherry) of Wheeler, IL. Five grandchildren: Eric Francis, David (Dawn) Francis and Amy (Ben) Snowden, Abby (Dustin) Phillips, and Taylor Clinton. Two step-grandchildren: Tom (Angela) Courtney and Allen (Lena) Courtney Five great -grandchildren: Emmett and Auri Francis, Rhett and Beckett Phillips, and Murphy Snowden. Seven step-great-grandchildren: Hailey and Emalee Courtney, and Shyam, Brooklyn, and Madison Courtney. She is also survived by 2 nephews and 2 nieces. Besides her husband James, she was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Corporal Herbert Zerkel and brother, Melvin Zerkel. Memorials in Ruth’s honor can be made to Carmi Baptist Children’s Home, c/o Freedom Baptist Church. There will be a Drive Thru Visitation from 12-1 PM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home. A private family service will be held at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at the North Freedom Cemetery following the service. Family and friends are invited to attend the graveside service at North Freedom Cemetery. Anyone wishing to attend the burial service is requested to wear a mask and maintain social distancing, per the family request.

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