Ruth Ann Bast Feyerabend Shortal passed away Tuesday, January 8 at Sunset Nursing Home in Quincy, Illinois.
She was born June 18, 1937 in St. Louis, Missouri to Otto and Carrie (Robinson) Bast. Ruth was raised on the family farm in Edwardsville, Illinois. She married Robert (Scoopy) Feyerabend on March 30, 1957 in Alton, Illinois and they resided in Jerseyville, IL. Bob passed away in November of 1999. They were very active in golf and members of Westlake Country Club for many years.
Over the years, Ruth enjoyed many activities. She was well known for her quilting, needle work, and making holiday crafts. She was an avid book reader and wonderful cook. Christmas was definitely her favorite time of the year. All the decorations, gifts, special handmade outfits for the grandchildren and of course her traditional famous Brer Rabbit Molasses baked ham Christmas meal served with homemade bread. Her greatest love was her family.
Later in life, Ruth married James Shortal on October 10, 2007, he passed away on May 19, 2014. Jim and Ruth traveled a great deal and one of their favorite destinations was their annual month long trip (November) to Fort Meyers Beach Florida. As a couple, they attended the Jerseyville Holy Ghost Catholic Church service on Saturday evenings, followed up with their usual meal (chicken nachos) at Los Tres Amigos Mexican restaurant.
Surviving are daughter Sherrie Feyerabend Hillman, husband Mike of Dow and son Robert Feyerabend, wife Barb of Quincy, IL. Three grandchildren, Katelin Feyerabend Brown, husband Ben of Wallace, Kansas; Jennifer Hillman of East Alton; Andrew Feyerabend, wife Tricia of Highland, IL. One great granddaughter Hensley Brown of Wallace Kansas. Two brothers, Richard Bast, wife Rita of Livermore, California and Robert Bast, wife Abbie of Florissant, Missouri. Nephews Richard (Dick) Bast and Brain Bast, wife Elvie of California, Robert Otto Bast of St. Louis, MO and Abigail Bast of Florissant, MO. Also a special step-son Joe Shortal, step-daughter Mary Shortal Leszczynski, brother-in-law Pat Shortal, wife Jackie.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Jerseyville Public Library or the Shriners Hospital for Children.
Preceding Ruth were her parents Otto and Carrie Bast and a grandson Jonathan Feyerabend.
Visitation at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville Saturday January 19 from 10-12 with funeral mass at 12. Officiant Father Steve Pohlman. Cremation to follow.
ALEXANDER & GUBSER FUNERAL HOME IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS
