Ruth V. Beard, 90, of Du Quoin, passed away at 4:15 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019 at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.
Ruth worked as the head cook at Western Egyptian Head Start. She had also worked at Sacred Heart School Cafeteria and Cater Vend.
She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin and was a past member of the Catholic Daughters of America.
She was born Dec. 14, 1928 at Wendelin, Illinois, the daughter of Anton and Viola (Kuhl) Iffert.
She married Norman Beard on June 29, 1949 at Du Quoin, and he preceded her in death on Dec. 2, 1964.
She is survived by four children, Debra (Gary) Furlow of Highland, Illinois, Kathy (Kenneth) Scaglione of Du Quoin, Steven (Leslie) Beard of Centralia, and Janet (Ray) George of Tamaroa; one sister, Betty June of Troy, Illinois; two brothers, John (Mary) Iffert of Du Quoin and Dan (Carol) Iffert of Indiana; nine grandchildren, Margie Furlow, Scott Furlow, Elizabeth (Jared) Reid, Matthew (Jamie) Scaglione, Luke (Lee) Scaglione, Joshua Beard, Ashley (Richard) Campbell, Bryant George (fiancé Elizabeth Barnes), and Brandon George (fiancé Chacy Sizemore); six great-grandchildren, Emelia Scaglione, Cora Scaglione, Abigail Scaglione, Shylaa Campbell, Rhett Campbell and Easton George; several nieces and nephews and many neighbors and dear friends.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother and sister-in-law, Herb and Rita Iffert.
A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin with Fr. Joseph Oganda and Fr. John Iffert officiating.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the church.
Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.
Friends may make memorials to Masses or to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, which will be accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.
