Ruth Ann Deters, age 93, of Quincy, died on March 22, 2021 at home surrounded by family. She was born on December 27, 1927 in Quincy, the daughter of Joseph Bohne and Lucille (Mueller) Bohne.
Ruth married William “Bill” Deters Jr. on September 4, 1946 in St John Catholic Church in Quincy. He survives. She attended Quincy Notre Dame and graduated from Quincy High School in 1945. While still in high school Ruth worked at the Hosiery Factory.
Following graduation Ruth worked in the Accounting Department at Moorman’s until her marriage to Bill. Ruth was married to the love of her life for nearly 75 years. Their love story was an inspiration to all who knew them. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren unconditionally. She cared for all babies whether they were related to her or not. She enjoyed working as a teacher’s aide at Lincoln School for several years.
Ruth loved history and she shared that passion with her family and friends. After she discovered her house was an Underground Railroad Station, she began researching the subject with the help of Quincy College Professor Fr. Landry Genosky who asked her to write the Underground Railroad chapter for “The People’s History of Quincy and Adams County”. She continued that research for more than 50 years. At the age of 81 she published her book “The Underground Railroad Ran Through My House!”
Ruth is survived by a sister, Mary Thieme of Washington, IL; her children, Raymond (Trudy) Deters, Richard (Beth) Deters, Ellen (Larry) Waters, Ann (Joe) Vogel, Bill (Cindy) Deters III, Michael (Judy) Deters, Dr. Gerri (Roger) Buss, Kathryn (Mike) Waters, Susan (Byron) Saathoff, Mark (Chris) Deters and Gregory (Laura) Deters.
Her grandchildren, Kitchell Deters, Bryant (Kyle) Deters, Corey (Kim) Deters, Kelsey (Brodie) Deters, Yvonne (Chuck) Vogel, Brandon (Shannon) Waters, Joe (Erin) Vogel, Jenny (Scott) Venvertloh, Eileen (Bobby) Malone, Jason (Mindy) Deters, Alicia (Jaymee) Duncan, Adam (Amy) Buss, Alex Buss, Austin (Danielle) Buss, Evan (Molly) Waters, Laura, (Zach) Reichert, Hope Saathoff, Summer Saathoff, Katherine Deters, Natalie Deters, Meg Deters, Maia Deters, and Will Deters.
Also surviving are great grandchildren, James Deters, Kinleigh Deters, Kamryn Deters, Skylar Vogel, Charly Vogel, Camryn Waters, Wyatt Waters, Jess (Taylor) Duncan, Morgan Vogel, Logan Venvertloh, Lance Venvertloh, Cortlynne Malone, Ryker Malone, Madison Deters, Quinn Duncan, Caleb Buss, Addison Buss, Lucas Reichert and two step great granddaughters, Kaley (Dave) Babcock and Taylor (Taylor) Shaw and two step great-great grandchildren. Two sisters-in-law Norma Weiman and Dorothy Deters, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Elenore Klitz and Joan Plesko and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday., March 29, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Interment will follow in St. Anthony Cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at St. Anthony Church.
Memorials may be made to JWCC CNA Nursing Program for Ruth Deters Scholarship or Birthright of Adams County or Right to Life of Adams County.
Services are in care of Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. www.dukerandhaugh.com