Obituaries
Death of Ruth Ann (Steinmann) Sievers
Ruth Ann (Steinmann) Sievers, 94, with her family by her side at the family farm, passed peacefully from her earthly home into her heavenly home on the 3rd of May, 2022. She was born on January 21, 1928, on her family’s farm in the Hamel township to parents Walter and Bertha Steinmann.
She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church (formerly New Gehlenbeck) in Hamel. Ruth was married to her beloved husband Walter Sievers on September 19, 1948, also at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hamel. He preceded her in death in 2011.
Surviving are a daughter and two sons, Judy (Keith) Loemker, Gary (Cheryll) Sievers, and Jim (Kathy) Sievers; 10 grandchildren, Brian (Julie) Sievers, Julie Sievers (Tim) Scheller, Chris (Carmen) Loemker, Greg Sievers, Jennifer Loemker (Joey) Sexton, Mark (Tara) Sievers, Jeremy (Mauri) Loemker, Tim (Charley) Sievers, Kati Sievers (Greg) Harkins, and Renee Henson Carlen; and one step-grandson, Eric (Shawna) Gray. Ruth was blessed to be the great-grandmother to 28 great-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Frieda Maack and Verna (LeRoy) Langendorf; two sister-in-laws, Lynn Steinmann and Judy Steinmann; 27 nieces and nephews; and other friends and relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers and three sisters, Helen (Al) Hesterberg, Wilma (Vernon) Renken, Paul Steinmann, Norma “Toots” Steinmann, and Harry “Bud” Steinmann; and six brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law, one niece, and two nephews.
Ruth loved the Lord with all her heart and along with her late husband Walter, was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton where she served in the Ladies Aid. She found immense joy in her church and in spending time with her large family. She and Walt were dairy farmers until 1971 when they founded Sievers Equipment in Hamel where they worked alongside one another for many years. She loved listening to music and watching her favorite St. Louis Cardinals. Today we rejoice in the knowledge that she is forever at home with the Savior she faithfully served for 94 years.
Ruth was blessed with a talent for poetry which she generously shared by writing personalized poems for countless baptisms, confirmations, birthdays, and weddings for her church and her extended family. In her memory, and to the Glory of God, we’d like to share one of her favorite poems with you here.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM on Friday, May 6, 2022, and again from 9 AM to 10 AM on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 10 AM at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Kelly Mitteis officiating. Burial will be held at Spangle Cemetery near Livingston. Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church of Staunton, Spangle Cemetery, or KFUO.
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Patricia Marie Black, 75 of Litchfield, passed away at 5:32 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Hillsboro Rehab and Healthcare Center. She was born on February 25, 1949, in Hillsboro a daughter of Glen LaVern and Mary Elizabeth (Geiss) Robbins.
She graduated from Litchfield High School with the Class of 1967. Patty married Gary Dean Black on July 26, 1969, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. He survives. Patty was a member of the Christian Church of Litchfield and enjoyed painting, visiting with her friends, traveling, and watching Western movies with her husband.
In addition to her husband, Patty is survived by a son, Gary Gene Black of Mulberry Grove; two brothers, Steve (Margie) Robbins of Weidman, MI and Rodney (Lisa) Robbins of Tampa, FL; two sisters, Debbie (Jim) Cochrane of Wildwood, MO and Tjody (Clay) Varner of St. Charles, MO; three grandchildren, Lisa Smith, Bryce Black and Dennis Black; and five great grandchildren.
Private family services for Patty will be held at a later date. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
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Ruth Ardella Marie (Frerichs) Cranford, 93 of Litchfield, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 4:14 a.m. at Litchfield Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born on November 23, 1931, in Litchfield a daughter of Edward and Emma (Sewing) Frerichs.
She graduated from Litchfield High School. Ruth married Robert C. Cranford March 31, 1951, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. He preceded her in death on June 17, 2014. Ruth baked many wonderful desserts at The Gardens Restaurant in Litchfield during her 26 years of employment there.
Prior to that, she was a dedicated homemaker and candled eggs at the Litchfield Egg Warehouse. Ruth was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. She loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals, NASCAR, and game shows. She enjoyed playing Bingo and playing the lottery.
She is survived by a son, Kevin (Connie) Cranford of Springfield; a daughter, Debra (Mike) Peters of Elburn; a granddaughter, Kristine Cranford of Milwaukee, WI; a step-grandson, Mike Peters of Montana; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Ruth was preceded in death by a son, Roger Allen Cranford; three sisters, Lucille Frerichs, Viola McKimmey, and Marie Morris; four brothers, George Frerichs, Benjamin Frerichs, John Frerichs, and infant brother Roy Frerichs.
Funeral services for Ruth will be held at 12 noon on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Rev. Fred Kraemer will officiate. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
The family suggests memorials to Zion Lutheran School, 1301 N. State Street, Litchfield, IL 62056. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
