Frances Ruth Seel

Frances Ruth Seel of Belleville Illinois passed away peacefully of natural causes on April 30, 2025, surrounded by her children. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and gentle-mannered friend and neighbor who exuded calm and wisdom. To all who knew her, Ruth was the epitome of impeccable graciousness.
In addition to maintaining a household and raising two children, Ruth excelled as saleswoman and store manager for Ethan Allen in Brandon, Florida, where she was consistently recognized and awarded on a national level for her talents, successes, and leadership.
Ruth's gentle and kind manner was informed throughout her life by her strong Christian faith - one that was remarkably quiet and personal yet no less devout, which she credited to her own mother who practiced in the same way.
Ruth Seel was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Norman Lester Seel, in 2004. She is survived by her daughter, Alicia Ruth McAllister (née Seel) of Belleville, Illinois, married to Stephen Owen McAllister, and by son Stephen Lester Seel, married to Jessica Eve Brown, and her grandson, Benjamin Robert Seel. One of nine children of Fred and Lurter Carby, Ruth has one surviving sibling, Robert Carby of Louisville, Kentucky.
Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. https://support.savingplaces.org/page/16255/donate/1?transaction.othamt1=WF25ZZSDMEMC