Ruth Ann Poole

Ruth Ann Poole, age 78, of Marion, Illinois (formerly of Herrin, Illinois), passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on September 15, 1947 in Anna, Illinois, to the late Leonard Wiley and the late Anna Mae Wiley (Neeley). Ruth Ann married the love of her life, Thomas Poole, in Herrin, Illinois, on June 28, 1982. Over the next 43 years, they built a wonderful life together.

Ruth Ann is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas Poole of Marion, Illinois; her children, Robert (Julie) Knutson of Woodlawn, Illinois; Robin (Blake) Norman of Marion, Illinois, and two grandchildren, Tyler (Felicia) Knutson of Chicago, Illinois and Taylor Norman of Marion. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Steve Poole and her sister-in-law, Carol Poole of Eldorado, Illinois, a niece, Amanda (Michael) Welsh of Lenexa, Kansas, and nephews, Aaron (Leah) Poole of Eldorado, Illinois, Michael McCombs of Port Charlotte, Florida, and Chris (Debbie) McCombs of Johnston, Iowa.

Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Walter McCombs, her father-in-law, George Poole, her mother-in-law, Helen Poole, and a nephew, Gary McCombs.

Ruth Ann attended Anna Community Consolidated School District #37 and Anna-Jonesboro Community High School, graduating in 1965.

Her greatest joy came from being a mother and grandmother. She rarely missed a game, match, concert, play, graduation or activity where her children or grandchildren were involved. She loved coaching and cheering them on, celebrating each of their accomplishments. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren, Tyler and Taylor.

Ruth Ann, a pillar of strength and a true original, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and adventure. She had a keen eye and attention to detail. With a professional life spanning decades of change, Ruth Ann remained steadfast in her values and passions. Her career took her from Stiles (Carbondale, Illinois) in the early 1970s, and later, she spent a decade at Hay's Chevrolet (Herrin, Illinois). Her career was marked by dedication and hard work, later serving 18 years as the Office Manager at Shawnee Christian Nursing Center (Herrin, Illinois), where she touched countless lives. Known for her strong work ethic, Ruth Ann left a lasting impact on those businesses and those she worked with.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ruth's true joys lie in her personal pursuits. She delighted in playing tennis with her husband, Tom, and circle of friends and attending Saluki basketball games with her husband. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel and she later enjoyed her days at the pool at John A. Logan College. Her love for working outside was evident in her affection for keeping up her property and spending time on her John Deere tractor working in the yard.

Her family and friends cherished her straight-forward nature, her quick wit, and her unapologetic honesty - she did not believe in fluff and you always knew where you stood with her. Ruth Ann faced breast cancer in her early 20's and was proud to be a 50+ year breast cancer survivor from the early 1970's. She embraced life with a sense of warmth, duty and charity that will be remembered by all who knew her. As a candid thinker and hardworking, old-school individual with a spicy personality, Ruth left an indelible mark on those who knew her. Her memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. Ruth Ann will be deeply missed by many and her memory will live on through the lives of those she touched. She will always be remembered for being a great woman, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Blue Funeral Home, under the direction of Binkley Ross. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025 at Blue Funeral Home, 1704 North Court Street, Marion, Illinois. A service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Andy Lee officiating. Burial will follow at Coal Bank Springs Cemetery in Marion, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made in Ruth Ann’s name to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital or Hospice of Southern Illinois.

For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit binkleyross.com.