By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
10 Comments
    • Service

      Private Graveside services with Interment were held at

      Lakeview Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.

    • Full Obituary

      Ruby S. Widicus, 94, of Trenton, IL, passed away Thursday, September 9, 2021, at her home.

      She was born February 18, 1927, to Henry and Clara (nee Koester) Seibert, at  home in Trenton, IL.  On June 4, 1952, she married Kenneth Widicus at St. Paul UCC, in Lebanon.

      Ruby was a member of St John E & R in Summerfield when growing up.  After marriage she was a member of St Paul UCC in Lebanon.  She attended Summerfield School thru 8th grade and graduated from Lebanon H.S.  She went onto college for her teacher’s certificate; later attending Washington University, taking classes in pattern drafting.  For many years she made wedding dresses and worked as a seamstress.  Ruby also attended classes in horticulture, with particular interest in farm and garden plants.

      For 35 years Ruby and Ken owned Happy Day Kennels; and belonged to the Tail Waggers 4-H.  They showed dogs all around the country; one year winning Best of Terrier Group and 2nd Best of Show (for a Karen Terrier) at the Westminster Kennel Club in NY.  She taught dog obedience classes, which her daughter Nancy took over later.

      Ruby was very close to her grandchildren and proud of their education, Andrew at Washington University, Megan at St. Louis School of Pharmacy, Jane at Millikan University and Julliard, and Nathan at University of Illinois.

      She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Clara Seibert; husband, Kenneth Widicus; daughter, Nancy Jane Widicus; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Andrew and Ella Widicus.

      Ruby is survived by her daughter, Diana (Michael Davis) Widicus, MD, Springfield, IL; grandchildren, Michael Andrew (Destiny) Davis, St. Louis, MO, Megan Anne (Korhy) Flanary, Naples, Italy, Jane (Emily) Briguglio, Oakland, CA, Nathan Henry Davis, Springfield, IL; great-grandchildren, Oliver Patrick Flanary,  Nancy Jane Flanary, & Theodore Barton Davis.

      Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or St. Paul UCC, Lebanon.

      Graveside services with Interment were held at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.

      Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    10 Condolences
     
    1. Leslie McCarthy / September 15, 2021 at 3:33 pm

      Diane and family I am so sorry for your loss. Such a sweet person she was. I always enjoyed visiting with her and your dad when they came to visit you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

      With deepest sympathy,

      John and Leslie McCarthy family

    2. Debby Yates / September 15, 2021 at 4:05 pm

      My condolences on your loss. Hugs and prayers for you and your family for comfort during this time

    3. Denise Setar / September 15, 2021 at 4:44 pm

      Oh to all the family you have my love and sympathy. I hate I never got to be with her to the end. But it was an honor caring for her and Kenny. You all made me feel like part of the family. Thank you!

    4. Kelly setar / September 15, 2021 at 4:52 pm

      I love u all so so much she will be greatly missed I’m so blessed to have been able to spend the time I did with as I remember meeting her in field service as a child.
      ~With love
      Kelly setar

    5. Jane Strubhart / September 15, 2021 at 9:16 pm

      Diana, I am so sorry. This is such a shock. I didn’t know that Ruby, my godmother, had passed away. Hugs to you and your family. I know Ruby and my momma are having a great time in heaven.
      Love and hugs,
      Jane and Ken Strubhart

    6. June Benedick / September 17, 2021 at 12:07 pm

      Please accept my sympathy on the passing of Ruby. June Benedick

    7. John Jatcko / September 20, 2021 at 5:08 am

      A dear friend! Condolences to the family……

    8. Waneta McKemie / September 20, 2021 at 11:58 am

      Di,
      My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. Even though I never got to know your mother, I can tell she was an amazing woman and will truly be missed. I hope you know I am here for you whatever your need.

      Love you, Waneta

    9. Mary L. Heeren / September 28, 2021 at 9:45 am

      I remember Ruby and Ken fondly. I boarded my dog with them several times and was always so impressed with the love they showed for their ‘visitors.’ I also always looked forward to seeing them at the hospital’s health fairs – always a pleasure to visit with them when they were there. Deepest condolences to the family.

    10. Mary L. Heeren / October 29, 2021 at 2:43 pm

      Deepest condolences to the Widicus family and an FYI – she was recognized at McKendree University’s Homecoming Chapel Service Sunday, Oct. 24. I stood in her honor along with several others I did not know. Condolences to the family.

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