Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Ruth M. Searles
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Ruth Searles Obituary
Alton - Ruth M. Searles, 97, died at 9:25 p.m. Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at OSF St. Anthony's Healthcare Center in Alton.
Born January 4, 1928 in Alton, she was the daughter of Reverend Albert W. Hinners and Lois M. (Card) Hinners. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Alton. On June 4, 1949 she and Truman "Bud" Searles were married at Calvary Baptist Church by Reverend J. Curtis Martin. Bud preceded her in death on October 19, 1985. Mrs. Searles retired from Calvary Baptist Church as the financial secretary in 1988. She was also a tax consultant volunteer for AARP for 10 years. Surviving are two daughters, Jana M. Searles of Alton and Susan E. Johnson of Alton, one son, James T. Searles (Karla) of Alton. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Michael Halliday (Angie), Sarah Halliday (Elias "Lee" Montano), Haley Brown, and Jacob Searles, six great-grandchildren, Toby Halliday, Spencer Halliday (Ella Cardel), Joanna Halliday (Heath Tite), Quinn Halliday, Ellamena Brown, and Henry Brown, as well as several nieces and nephews. Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers and sisters-in-law, Carl and Eileen Hinners and Donald and Mary Jo Hinners.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, October 6, 2025 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Reverend Andre' Dobson will officiate. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church or the Baptist Children's Home and Family Services in Carmi, IL.
Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Ruth Searles
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Searles
2 Entries
Denise Heil
5 hours ago
Met Ruth at Senior apartments when I moved in about 5 years ago. I asked if there was any advice she could give. She casually said -- yeah keep your mouth shut- then she chuckled!! I like her immediately!! Loved chatting with her!
Cathie Hayward
Yesterday
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your sweet mother.
In sympathy,
Cathie and Vera Hayward
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Ruth Searles's name
How to support Ruth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ruth Searles's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored anonymously