Elsie Mae Rueter

September 20, 1933 - August 1, 2013

Elsie Mae Rueter, 79, of Winchester went to her Heavenly home, on Thursday afternoon, August 1, 2013 at St. John’s Hospice in Springfield after suffering a stroke. She was born on September 20, 1933 in Carrollton, Illinois; the daughter of Frank and Lillian Badman. She married Jack L. Rueter on October 26, 1951. He preceded her in death on August 28, 2001. She is survived by one daughter, Linda (husband, Michael) Clifford of Folsom, California; three sons, Paul (wife, Karen) Rueter; Jay (fiancée, Melanie Nash) Rueter, both of Winchester and Mike (wife, Melanie) Rueter of Manchester; fourteen grandchildren, Marcus Norris, Melissa (Larry) Kamp, Kerian (Sean) Katz, Aaron (Heather) Clifford, Matt (Karen) Rueter, Curtis (Alaina) Rueter, Alex Rueter, Mariah (Scott) Lomelino, Brady (Mallory) Rueter, Tressa (fiancée Clint Everetts) Rueter, Jerrid (Bridget) Beckman, Austin Rueter, Alexis Nash, Sara Nash; and eleven great-grandchildren; one sister Lucy Welsh of Winchester, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters Mary Welch and Martha Pile and one brother, Earl Badman. Elsie was a member of the Manchester Baptist Church where she was active with Bible School and helped plan numerous bereavement dinners. Her life revolved around God and family. Jack and Elsie started their lives together farming in rural Scott County. In the 1960s, Elsie instilled her love of music in her children and formed the gospel music quartet, “The Singing R’s”. For several years they traveled and performed at numerous churches and community gatherings. “The Chosen Ones” are an outgrowth of the quartet, continuing the passion of gospel music today. In the 1970s Elsie owned and operated “The Greenery” adjacent to their home east of Winchester. Elsie’s flower arrangement talents included judging at fairs, most notably the Illinois State Fair. Elsie’s gifts also included sewing; as she was an excellent seamstress, providing alternations for many area customers up to her final days. Elsie shared with many, her culinary skills. Last Thanksgiving a new tradition was started in the Rueter family with a traditional fried chicken dinner, using her recipe and teaching family the art of frying chicken. Almost weekly she delivered her famous “monkey bread” for the staff to enjoy at Marshall Chevrolet, her sons' place of business. Elsie touched many lives. Memorials may be made to the Scott County 4-H Junior Fair, Manchester Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.