Viola Zirkelbach
Kampsville | Save
Viola “Ruth” Zirkelbach, 85, of Kampsville, Illinois went home to be with the Lord on September 18, 2025, at the Calhoun Nursing & Rehab Center in Hardin, IL while surrounded by her family.
Ruth was born on July 2, 1940, in Pearl, IL, daughter of William “Henry” and Lucille Steward. She graduated from Bethalto High School in 1958.
On June 28, 1958, Ruth married the love of her life, Harold “Eugene” Zirkelbach. They spent 67 loving years with one another. Together they had three sons: Terry (Cindy) Zirkelbach of Brighton, IL, Tony Zirkelbach of Kampsville, IL, Tom (Deanna) Zirkelbach of Jacksonville, IL. Ruth was a proud grandmother to 9; Josh (Lindsay), Jay, Brittany (Jamie), Brandy (Tyler), Haley, Levi, Rayna, Toni and Stone. And proud great-grandmother to 9; Riley, Caleb, Gaige, Jacob, Lily, Faith, Deven, Ruby and Kamari.
Ruth and Gene enjoyed traveling together, spending their winters in Okeechobee, FL, going to the casino and spending quality time with their children and grandchildren. She was a life-long St. Louis Rams fan and enjoyed supporting her husband in various shooting competitions. Ruth was an avid and talented seamstress, retiring from McDonnell Douglas in October 1996, where she worked in the sewing department.
Ruth is survived by her husband, three sons, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Ruth is proceeded in death by her parents; William (Henry) and Lucille Steward, her in-laws; Gregory and Beulah Zirkelbach, brother-in-law; James (Rudy) Zirkelbach and nephew; James (Jimmy) Zirkelbach.
The visitation with be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gress, Kallal, Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin, IL. Funeral service will be on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Gress, Kallal, Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin, IL. Burial will follow at the Green Pond Cemetery in Pearl, IL followed with a luncheon at Straight Home Bar and Grill in Hardin, IL.
Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Online condolences can be made at www.kallalandschaaf.com.
Gress, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home
