Ruth Ann Jesse

Ruth Ann Jesse, 94, of Varna, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025 at Lacon Rehab and Nursing Home with her family by her side.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 AM Saturday, September 6, at St. Mary’s Church in Wenona with the Franciscan Friars officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Wenona. Visitation will be in the church on Saturday from 9:00 AM until time of services. The Hurst Funeral Home in Wenona has been entrusted with her arrangements.

Ruth Ann was born in Wenona on June 29, 1931 to William and Minnie (Walgenbach) Schinzel. She graduated from Wenona High School. She married Robert E. “Bob” Jesse on February 25, 1952 at St. Mary’s Church in Wenona. She grew up on the farm and became a farm wife helping Bob. She also worked at Wenona Produce and Archway Cookie in Wenona. Ruth Ann was a bus driver for Mid-County and Midland School Districts for 42 years.

Ruth Ann was a member of St. Mary’s Church her entire life, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and Altar and Rosary Society. She was an avid sports enthusiast and a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan.

Ruth Ann is survived by three daughters, Barbara (Philippe) Dupuis of Varna, Sue Jesse of Varna, and Mary Jean (Jerry) Maker of Strawberry Point, IA; three sons, Dr. Barry (Linda) Jesse of Hull, MA, Mark (Lesa) Jesse of Toluca, and Mitchell (Melinda) Jesse of Lacon; fifteen grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bob, on March 14, 2015, two sons, Steve and Marty Jesse, and two brothers, Clayton and Thurman Schinzel.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Church or the Varna Ambulance Service.

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