Belvidere, IL

Ruth Ann Ernst, 70, of Belvidere, Il passed away peacefully, Wednesday evening, March 7, 2018 in her home after a brief illness.  Ruth Ann was born December 3, 1947 in Macomb, Illinois, the daughter of Albert and Mary Bollinger.  She married Duke R. Ernst on July 29, 1972 in Genoa, IL.  After graduating from Rock Island High School, Ruth Ann went to work for GTE in Genoa, IL.  Later she became a consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics.  Ruth Ann made her spiritual home at St. John's United Church of Christ where she was active in Fellowship Circle, Woman's Guild, as well as a member of the choir and a Sunday school teacher.  Ruth Ann enjoyed shopping, bowling, reading mystery novels and collecting angels.

Ruth Ann is loved and will be missed by her children, Jessica (Kevin) Ferdon of Belvidere, Il, Jeffrey Ernst of Texas; chosen daughter, Paula (Sam) Muse of Poplar Grove; grandchildren, Maddie Ernst, Tyler and Trevor Ferdon; chosen grandchildren, Rachel and Becca Houlihan; siblings, Dorothy Seyller, Mike (Mary) Bollinger, Jane (Wayne) Buzzell, Rebecca (Gerry) Euhus; nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Duke, infant son, Robert "Bobby" D. Ernst.; siblings, Jerry Bollinger, Ed Bollinger and Tim Bollinger.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 15, 2018 in Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Avenue, Belvidere, IL with Rev. Muriel Morley Jahn officiating.  Burial in Belvidere Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday March 14, 2018 at the Funeral Home.  Memorials can be given in care of St. John's United Church of Christ.  To share a memory, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com