Ruth C. Staehling, formerly of Northwood, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Streator, Illinois. She was 96.

A funeral service for Ruth will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Lutheran Church, 309 N. Ninth St. in Northwood. The Rev. Judy Converse will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Those wishing to give a memorial in her memory may direct them to the charity of the donor’s choice. Conner Colonial Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Ruth was born Nov. 16, 1919, the daughter of Emil and Matilda Studier on a farm near Leola, South Dakota. She was united in marriage to the Rev. Otto C. Staehling on Aug. 21, 1938, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Myrtle. He preceded her in death on March 9, 2002.

Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters and one son, Ruth (Darrell) Schlange of Palos Heights, Illinois, Mary (David) Dick of Streator and Philip (Shari) Staehling of Bethany, Missouri. Also left to cherish her memory is daughter-in-law, Deanna Staehling, of Raytown, Missouri; her grandchildren Karen Staehling, Kathy (Mike) VanBuskirk, Stephen (Deb) Schlange, Jon Schlange, Anne (Kris) Kalch, Mary (Brent) Johnson, Matthew Dick, Nathan Staehling, Nichole Staehling and Bret Staehling; and 15 great-grandchildren; as well as many other extended family members and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband; four brothers, Arnold, Martin, Herbert and Rudolph Studier; her sister, Esther Staehling; her son, David Staehling; and a great-granddaughter.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren and their spouses.