Ruth Ann Vance of Colfax, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, at the age of 74.

Friends may greet the family from 12:00-4:00 pm, on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Cooksville Fire Department.

Private family burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Colfax.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Hospital.

Ruthie was born on August 6, 1952, in Anchor, Illinois, to Delmar and Florence (Friday) Hensen. She married Ricky Dean Vance on August 26, 1973, and together they raised three daughters: Katie (Ryan) Robbins of Tucson, AZ; Jeri (Rob) Crawley of Sandwich, IL; and Sandy (Josh) Jenkins of Broken Arrow, OK.

She was the proud grandmother of five grandchildren, Tyler and Jake Ridgeway, Josh and Kenzie Crawley, Leah Jenkins, and great-grandchildren, Anthony and Alora Ridgeway.

Ruthie graduated from the Mennonite School of Nursing and began her career working as a nurse for Dr. Langstaff in Fairbury, IL. She later transitioned to the United States Post Office, where she dedicated over 25 years of service as a rural mail carrier.

It is nearly impossible to put into words what an incredible woman she was. Ruthie was truly one in a million, known for her selflessness, caring heart, and witty sense of humor. She loved the Lord, adored her family, and loved making beautiful quilts for anyone who could use them.