Photo courtesy of Adams Funeral Chapel - Charleston
Jan 25, 1930 - Sep 16, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time, but be assured she is in good hands!
Richard Rossi
September 22, 2018 | Latrobe, PA | Friend
Remembering Ruth and Vaughns kindnesses when our family was young as well as her musical talent at the organ. She was also an inspirational nursery school teacher. Our sincere sympathy to the whole family.
Pam & Don Sundheim
September 20, 2018 | Grafton, IL | Friend
My condolences to Vaughn & family...Ruth will be missed deeply in this community... she touched thousands of lives with her caring heart ...I treasure the memories of her kindness & support over the years.
Karenlee Spencer
September 20, 2018 | Charleston, IL | Friend
Condolences to the Janieke family. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lillie Jackson
September 19, 2018 | Sacramento, CA | Acquaintance
So sorry for your loss. I remember her leading our 4-H group to song contest.
Cori Frerichs
September 19, 2018 | Troy, IL | Friend
I was sad to hear of Ruths passing. I was lucky enough to get to do her hair the last few months which gave me the opportunity to get to know her better and as well her family.
Her family was everything to her and being with friends. She would always share what everyone in her family were doing and when they were coming for a visit. She loved when everyone would come home and take over in the kitchen, she said everyone really cooked very well. I know she had been a very active women and...
Brenda Stone
September 19, 2018 | Lerna, IL
Ruth will be missed in this community where she spent countless hours contributing to the care and betterment of others. Rest in peace my friend.
Janice Grewell
September 19, 2018 | CHARLESTON, IL | Friend
Gretchen and family, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Sheila Reed Littleton
September 19, 2018 | Mattoon, IL | Classmate
Kristen, Your lab school family - KinderFrogs and Starpoint School, have you in our thoughts and prayers. Know that we love you.
LaJean Sturman
September 19, 2018 | Fort Worth, TX | Coworker
CHARLESTON, IL – Ruth L. Jaenike, age 88 of Charleston, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, September 16, 2018. She was born January 25, 1930 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Carl and Louise Lemke, and married Vaughn Jaenike on June 27, 1953. She will join her parents, brother, and son Kurt in her next phase of life. She is survived by her husband, Vaughn, of Charleston; their children and spouses: Fritz Jaenike and wife Donna of Austin, Texas; Kristen Ballsrud and husband Dave of Grapevine, Texas, Katherine Labinksi and husband John of Austin, Texas, Gretchen Norman and husband Ted of Morrison, Colorado; grandchildren, Karli and Kayla Jaenike, Nicholas and Jacob Ballsrud, Matthew and Mark Labinski, Andrew and Sam Norman; sister Trudy Tribbett and husband Bill of Greenville, South Carolina; and loving nieces and nephews.
Ruth had a passion for music and the arts, graduating with a BME from the University of Nebraska in 1952, and a MA in Related Arts from Eastern Illinois University in 1989. A lover of sacred music, she was an instructor of organ at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska; and faithfully served for fifty years as organist in various churches in Nebraska, Colorado, and Illinois. Ruth also inspired music among her students as an elementary school music teacher in Lincoln. Expanding her life of giving, she motivated dozens of volunteers while a Director of Volunteers at Hospice of Lincolnland in east central Illinois.
Family was Ruth’s highest priority as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Excited to carry on the legacy, she spent countless hours creating the Jaenike/Lemke family genealogical history. Spirituality, service, and the arts were also priorities in Ruth’s life. She was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church; active in the American Guild of Organists; a dedicated volunteer at the Tarble Arts Center in its early years; coordinating the Tarble Gift Shop; a PEO member; a loyal volunteer at the Coalition for People in Need (CPN); a recipient of the Jefferson Award; and an avid film buff.
Ruth was a role model for her family and friends, a selfless woman who made each person she encountered feel heard, loved and optimistic that everything would be okay. She had a special relationship with Vaughn, one based on respect, mutual priorities, and most of all true love. She took great pride in each of her children, who will greatly miss her affirmation, guidance, and unconditional love. Over the last decade Ruth was dealt several life-threatening medical conditions but was an example to all on how to persevere quietly and remain focused on others. The Family is grateful for the assistance of personnel at Sarah’s Homemakers and Lincolnland Hospice.
Memorials in her honor may be given to the EIU Foundation - Jaenike Access to the Arts Endowment or Immanuel Lutheran Church. A memorial service, honoring and celebrating her life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 902 Cleveland Avenue in Charleston, with Pastor Ken Hoover officiating. A reception in her honor will be held at the Tarble Arts Center following the service from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. A graveside service at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Walton, Nebraska will be held at a later date.
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