Ruthann River, age 87, of Millstadt, formerly of Belleville, IL, born on October 14, 1938, in East St. Louis, IL, now present with the Lord on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
A 1956 graduate of St. Teresa Academy in East St. Louis, IL, Ruthann was a devoted homemaker who loved her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved to travel and also enjoyed cooking, shopping, eating out for lunch, crocheting, and working on puzzles.
Ruthann was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Charles, R. River, Sr.; her parents, Anthony and Lillian Rukavina; and her siblings, Anthony Rukavina, Dolores Wells, and Frances Bunch.
She is survived by her children, Kenneth River of Breese, IL, Catherine (Charles) Salmons of Oakdale, IL, Nancy (Chuck Daily) River of Millstadt, IL, and Charles “ Chaz” R. River, Jr., of Millstadt, IL; two granddaughters, Connie (Gerald) Redden of St. Libory, IL, and Cathie M. Dillon of Apex, NC; her great grandchildren, Isaac Oser (Tatyana Brown), Adeline Oser (Alex Lang), Lily Kell, and Ella Redden; and her sister, Janet (Ronnie) Smith of Dupo, IL.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.
Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL. Interment will be in Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
