Ruth B. O'Keefe

Ruth B. O’Keefe passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at the age of 85; daughter of the late Charles F. and Beulah M Krieg{nee Hutcherson); devoted wife of the late Neal J. O’Keefe; beloved sister of the late Betty(Melvin) Vahle, Alice(Norman) Spruce and George Krieg; cherished Aunt of Fred Vahle, the late Judy Matthews, Russell(Jan) Vahle, Brenda(Paul) Dribin, John(Kathy) Vahle, Allan(Jennifer) Spruce, Lyle(Diedre) Spruce, Marla(Randy) Koski, Lyla Krieg, Rondy(Debbie) Krieg, the late Irene(Roger) Hoff, Kathy(the late John) Shirley, and Colleen(Tom) Thompson; Loving Great Aunt of Angela(Jason) Dierkes, Jenni(Max) Cumbus, Patrick(Julie) Shirley; Great-Great Aunt of Lauren(Patrick) King, Joel( Jillian) Engbert, Alaina Mujkanovic and Landen Mujkanovic; Great-Great-Great Aunt of Kinsley King and Marcy Shirley; very dear friend to so many.

Ruth’s faith was a cornerstone of her life which was evident to anyone who knew her. Even when she was not able to attend mass in person, she would watch it on TV to ensure that she stayed connected to her spiritual community. She had a profound love of flowers, plants and gardening. She spent countless hours tending to her beautiful gardens in her yard at her and Neal’s former home in South County. Even after moving into her retirement community at Laclede Groves, she still continued to care for many plants and flowers as they always brought her joy. She also loved to spend time with all of her friends and neighbors in her community sharing meals, happy hours and so many other fun events. She was known for being such a welcoming presence to any new members that moved in, was always willing to lend a helping hand and was just a beloved member of her whole community.

Ruth's love for her family and friends was evident in everything she did. Her favorite times were those with the ones she loved, like her girl's day with "The Nieces" where they would always find fun things to do like happy hour, lunches, craft days and many other fun outings and no matter where they went or what they did, it always included a whole lot of laughs.

Ruth also had a passion for travel, and she truly followed that passion especially in the last several years taking many trips and exploring new destinations she had never been to before with family and friends. She even got to go on her dream trip to Ireland with her niece Kathleen last year.

Ruth was known for her impeccable sense of style and grace. She had a natural elegance that shone through everything she did. Whether she was attending a social event or simply going about her day, Ruth’s class and sweetness left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her stylish demeanor was a reflection of her inner beauty and kindness. She will forever be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, kindness and joy will live on in their hearts forever.

Memorials are appreciated to Lutheran Services with Laclede Groves.