Ruth Ann Hartke, 83, of Buckley passed away at 3:06 a.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Sunday, October 19, 2025 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 206 E Main St, Buckley with Rev. J. Kevin Wyckoff officiating. Visitation will also be available one hour prior to the service in the church. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Buckley.
Visitation will be 3:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, October 18, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 306 E. Lincoln, Buckley.
Ruth Ann was born September 1, 1942 in Watseka the daughter of Chris and Erna Louise (Schumacher) Steiner. She married Keith A. Hartke on August 10, 1963 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Buckley. He survives.
Along with her husband, Keith, she is survived by two children, Beth (David) Faircloth of Oak Park, Illinois; Kevin (Samantha) Hartke of Sugar Land, Texas; three grandchildren, Zoey Hartke, Keenan Hartke and Kent Hartke; a sister-in-law, Carmeen Steiner of Clifton, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings, Elaine (Walter) Reiners, Paul (Donna) Steiner, Norman (Rosalie) (Joy) Steiner, and Delbert Steiner.
Ruth Ann graduated from Buckley-Loda High School in 1960. She received a certificate in basic accounting from Illinois Commercial College in Champaign. Ruth Ann leveraged her talent and experience in a variety of roles for various employers including Chanute AFB, Rantoul from 1987-1993 in civil service and later retiring from Herff Jones (fka Cap & Gown), Champaign.
Ruth Ann was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Buckley where she participated in the prayer call tree and other committees throughout the years. While her children were in school, she was an active participant in the St. John’s Lutheran School PTL. In later years, Ruth Ann served as an election judge for Iroquois county. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends, baking, reading, playing Euchre, and sewing.
Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.