Ruth Elaine Conger (79) of rural Ollie passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her immediate family, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
She was born to Chester and Elizabeth Northup on December 16, 1946, the youngest of twin daughters. On September 24, 1964, she married Delbert Conger, and they made their home in rural Ollie. From this union was born their daughter, Debbie.
Ruth worked at various jobs during the years, the longest being at McCleery Cummings Calendar Factory in Washington, IA. Along with a full-time job, Ruth was a true farm wife through all the seasons and the years.
After retiring from the calendar factory, Ruth went to work part-time at the Pekin Childcare Center in the infant/toddler room for nine years. That is where she became known as “Grandma Ruthie” to children and parents alike.
Ruth was also a member of the Ollie Eastern Star and Prairie View Church.
She is survived by her daughter, Debbie, and son-in-law, Joel Kephart; two grandsons, Eric and wife Brooke Kephart, Aaron and wife Allison Kephart; five great-grandsons, Brentley, Cooper, Grayson, Blaine, and Kai Kephart; her twin sister, Rachel Breen of Peoria AZ; and sister, Beverly Christner of Hayesville.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert (2016), her brother, Richard Northup, and a great-granddaughter, Elsie Wren Kephart.
