Ruth Kies Trost, 83, of Bensenville, Ill., died Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005, at her home.

She was born Oct. 30, 1922, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of William J. and Elsie Heyde Kies.

Mrs. Trost was a graduate of Central High School and Southeast Missouri State Teachers College. Later she earned an advanced degree in library science.

She taught in St. Louis and at the Mawuli School in Ho, Ghana, West Africa, where she and her husband, the Rev. Walter P. Trost, resided 11 years. She was very active in all the churches she and her husband served during their 55 years of marriage.

Survivors include children, Paul Trost of Chicago, Jean McCann of Tampa, Fla., Beth (Richard) Schowalter of Glen Ellyn, Ill., Emmanuel (Connie) Bansa of Flossmoor, Ill.; grandchildren, John, Sean, Kathleen, David, Adam, Melishia, Kofi; and a sister, Norma K. Blattner of Cape Girardeau.

Her parents, husband, two sisters, and a brother preceded her in death.

A service was held Dec. 3, 2005, at Peace UCC Church in Bensenville. Burial was in Friedens Cemetery in Bensenville.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Chicago was in charge of arrangements.