Ruth C. Gerstner, age 92, of Trenton, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Aviston Countryside Manor. She was born September 26, 1932, in Aviston, a daughter of the late Frank and Bertha (nee Huelsmann) Rakers.
In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Gerstner, whom she married April 4, 1951 and who died April 20, 1995; son, Terry Gerstner; siblings, Bert (Sylvia) Rakers, Jean (Don) Mueller, Jerry (Dolly) Rakers, Carl (Joanie) Rakers, Maurice Rakers, Robert Rakers, Dennis Rakers, and Marcellus Rakers in infancy; sister-in-law, Bev Rakers; and Gerstner in-laws.
Ruth is survived by her children, Peggy (Dan) Harvey and Ron (Sharon) Gerstner, all of Trenton; grandchildren, Lonny Harvey, Melissa (Jeff) Brenner, Travis (Stephanie) Gerstner, Trevor (Kendyll) Gerstner, Erin (Coty) Frieman, and Emily (Jeff Rakers) Gerstner; great-grandchildren, Reagan Brenner, Jack and Dylan Gerstner, Haylee (significant other, Matthew Segner) and Gage Gerstner, Aayden Gerstner, Kehnley Frieman, Raelyn and Brooks Rakers; siblings, Betty (Leonard) Voss of Beaver Prairie, Virgil Rakers of Bowling Green, KY, and Mary (Larry) Howell of Mt. Vernon; sisters-in-law, Susan Rakers and Jane Rakers; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A devoted homemaker, Ruth was a long-time member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the Altar Sodality in Trenton. She was a talented pianist, an avid reader, and above all, a woman who cherished time with her family. Many fond memories were made over countless cups of coffee during her daily visits to Hanks Bowl, where she enjoyed the company of friends and neighbors.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Trenton with Fr. Geroge Zieba presiding and Deacon Tom Ritzheimer and Deacon Steve Lemons assisting. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Trenton.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 8:30 – 9:45 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Trenton.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to Community Link or St. Mary Parish and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 105 S. Main St. Trenton, IL 62293, who is serving the family.
