Gertrude Ruethling

Gertrude M. Ruethling, 91, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2002, at Chateau Girardeau Health Center.

She was born April 12, 1910, in Mineral Point, Wis., daughter of Fred and Katherine Fischer Marr. She and Clarence Ruethling were married April 22, 1939, in Chicago. He died Nov. 18, 1977.

Ruethling lived in Wilmette, Ill., most of her life, moving to Cape Girardeau in 1994.

She was a graduate of Plattville Teachers College in Plattville, Wis. She was a grade school teacher in Wisconsin and also worked at First National Bank in Chicago. She was organist many years at St. Francis Xavier Church in Wilmette. She was an accomplished pianist, and played many years at nursing homes in the Wilmette and Chicago areas.

Ruethling was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, and former member of Wilmette Women's Club and St. Francis Xavier Women's Club.

Survivors include two sons, James Ruethling of Beloit, Wis., Edward Ruethling of San Diego, Calif.; three daughters, Helen Vernier of Jackson, Mo., Mary Hook of Davis, Calif., Evelyn Ruethling of San Francisco; a sister, Callista Basting of Mineral Point; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Francis Xavier Church. The Rev. William Sheridan will officiate. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery and Mausoleum in Des Plaines, Ill.

Friends may call at the church after 9 a.m. Thursday.

Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.