Ella Ruth Sentel Matyi – Benton, IL

Ella Ruth Sentel Matyi, 72, of Benton, IL, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2024, at 8:56: a.m., with family at Helia Healthcare of Benton, IL.

Ella Ruth was born in Sullivan, IL on April 26, 1952, to Kenneth Dean and Virginia Faye Sentel. Preceding her in death were both her parents, her oldest sister, Virginia Lynn and her husband, Donnie Johnson. Their surviving children are Kerri and Corrie Hendren and Mark and Macy Johnson. Both live in Missouri and have three children each. Also preceding Ruth in death is Joshua Boyd Sentel, first son of Kenneth and Roberta Sentel.

Ruth was the matriarch of the Sentel family. A loving aunt and great-aunt to all her nieces and nephews. Each and every one were made to feel special. She worked and cared for many as an RN at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon and Helia Healthcare in Benton. She was a true Giver, both in her professional and personal life and was well loved by all who knew her.

In her spare time she liked to sew, quilt and hunt for Vintage and Antique treasures, but her true joy was spending time with her family.

Ruth is survived by Robert Clark Sentel and Nancy and Darrel Launius. Their children, John and Tammy Launius, Christy and Susan Launius-Rensing, Amy and Jim Reith; William Walter and Julie Sentel and children, Marcy Faye and Adam Clark, Sarah Ann and Donnie Millenbine and Alison Page and Jason Woodrow; Kenneth Dale and Roberta Sentel and children, Jessica Elaine and Andrew Salmo and Elijah D. Braden Sentel and a total of 24 great-nieces and nephews.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Ella Ruth, being a very private person, chose to be cremated with a family celebration of life to be determined later.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.