Shirley Ann (Varble) Ruyle

Shirley Ann (Varble) Ruyle, 77, was welcomed into her eternal home with God on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at SSM Health St. Joseph – St. Charles.

She was born in Greene County, Illinois on March 11, 1945, one of four daughters born to the late Gearold James and Emma Marie (Calvin) Varble.

As a young child, Shirley’s family relocated to Macoupin County, where Shirley graduated with the Class of 1963 from Southwestern High School.

Shortly after graduation, she married the love of her life, Clifford Ruyle, on August 22, 1963 at Kemper Baptist Church. Together, they made their home south of Fidelity, raising their two sons and sharing in many wonderful memories together as a family.

Shirley worked as a beautician in the area for a period of time, prior to accepting employment with the United States Postal Service, where she served as Postmaster in Fidelity for 20 years.

She also enjoyed crafts of all kinds, and was known for her knack with floral arrangements, creating countless arrangements and wreaths throughout the years, many of which are still proudly displayed in the homes of her friends and neighbors. Most recently, she had begun needlepoint, and was looking forward to showcasing her new talent at the County Fair.

Shirley valued family, and relished in the memories she was able to create with them all. This sense of family extended well beyond her kin, as she treated everyone she met as one of her own.

Above all, Shirley was devoted to the Lord. She was a longtime and faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church. She was a true prayer warrior, certainly for her family and friends, but also for complete strangers. Shirley began each and every day praying for those in need of healing and spiritual guidance. While her absence from this world will certainly leave a void in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved her, there is a sense of peace that she is sharing in the splendor of Eternal Life.

Surviving are her husband of 58 years, Clifford Ruyle of Jerseyville; two sons and a daughter in-law, Allen Ruyle of San Diego, California and Scott and Toni Ruyle of Racine, Wisconsin; four grandchildren, Grady Ruyle of Riverside, California, Joe Ruyle and Salina Hvizdak, both of Racine, Wisconsin and Margeaux Jasarevic of Las Vegas, Nevada; five great grandchildren; three sisters and a brother in-law, Donna Pickett of Jerseyville, Lena Markham of Otterville and Karen and Greg Short of Jerseyville; numerous nieces and nephews, who she loved deeply; her many “nuggets” that she served as a surrogate grandmother to; in addition to her beloved pet and partner in crime, Jilly.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Letha Fricker and two brothers in-law, Ralph Pickett and Gary Markham.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, April 25, 2022 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Tuesday at Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Joel Lohr officiating.

Burial will follow at Kemper Cemtery.

For those desiring, memorials may be given to Restore Network, in care of the funeral home.

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneral.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Ann (Varble) Ruyle, please visit our floral store.