Ruth Keelin – Benton, Illinois

Ruth Janice Droit Keelin, Age 87, passed away at 5:28 a.m., Friday, May 07, 2021 at her home in Benton.

Ruth was born on July 20, 1933, the daughter of Reno and Ruie Cardwell Droit. Ruth Droit from Droit City and Thompsonville, married John Bertice “Bert” Keelin from Saline County, 68 years ago. They moved to Benton, IL and had three children.

Ruth was strong in her faith and excelled as a good wife and mother. In addition to her love of church and family, there are two areas in which she stood out. One was her outstanding cooking. She mastered cake decorating and pie baking. The second area was her music. She was born into a gospel music family. She continued her family’s legacy by singing and playing both the organ and the piano at First Church of God, First Freewill Baptist Church, and Immanuel Baptist Church. She played gospel music for 60 years. She worked in the office at the family business, Franklin Auto Parts. She was fortunate to see her great grandchildren play sports, which she dearly loved.

Surviving are three children with their families as follows:

Surviving is Daughter: Patricia (Pat) Keelin Kern, her children and grandchildren: Melissa Mitchell Richardson and husband Tim Richardson, Frank Kern and his wife Patricia (Patty) Liell, Eric Kern, Dr. Brian Kern and his wife Summer, Jason Kern, and his wife Janie Simon, and Megan Kern Williams and her husband, Chris. Pat’s grandchildren, Ruth’s great-grandchildren: Gavin and Whitley Richardson, Caden, Charli, Ellsie, Cash, Landon, Hunter, and Collin Mark Kern. Deceased are: Son-In-Law Mark Kern and two great-grandchildren, Kern Williams and Anna Williams.

Surviving is Daughter: Karen Keelin Harrison and her husband, Greg Harrison. Her children/Ruth’s grandchildren: Christine Harrison Arrington and her husband, Josh, Derek Harrison and wife, Aimee. Shon Lindsay and wife, Kristy, Leslee Lindsay Copple and husband Jay. Karen’s grandchildren/Ruth’s great-grandchildren: Addison Harrison, Houston and Sebastian Arrington, Jayda and Kierra Harrison, Bryce and Brysa Lindsay, Brandt Ramsey, Joey and Cole Copple

Surviving is Son, Darrell Keelin and his wife Debra “Deb”. His children/Ruth’s grandchildren: Kay Keelin and her fiancé, Jeremy Brown, and Kaitlyn Kuchar. Darrell’s grandchild/Ruth’s great-grandchild is Trey Keelin.

Surviving are two sister-in-laws, Velma Keelin Hall of St. Charles, Missouri and Vurble Keelin Mahoney of Owensboro Kentucky, along with many nieces and nephews from the Droit and Keelin family. Deceased is her husband, Bert, her parents, brother Sherman Droit and sister Leota Pulley.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at the Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton; Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Eddie Paul Davis officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. The Leffler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks consideration of memorial contributions. Donations may be made to the following charities: Rend Lake College Foundation: Ruth Keelin Memorial Fund or Immanuel Baptist Church: Building Fund.