Born on July 20, 1929, in Harmon Township, Illinois, Ruth Agnes Higgins, age 96, of Oregon, Illinois, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Oregon Living and Rehabilitation Nursing Home. 

Ruth was the beloved daughter of Louis and Mabel (Bushman) Apple. She married Rogers Wesley Higgins on February 6, 1951 in Walton, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Kenneth Apple, Louis Jr. Apple, Marjorie Gallagher, Elaine Tori, Joseph Apple, and her loving husband, Rogers Wesley Higgins.

She is survived by and her three children: Patrick Higgins (Karron) of Western Springs, Illinois, Kathleen Castillo (Jack) of Friendship, Wisconsin, and Susan Lynch of Dearborn, Michigan a brother, Edward (Gail) Apple of Liphook, Hampshire, England; her two sisters, Rose (Larry) McCulloh of Cherry Valley, and Kay (Jim) Malim of Gilbert, AZ. Ruth was blessed with seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

She lived a life of unwavering faith and devotion to God, family, and friends. Her life was guided by compassion and service. After her children entered school, Ruth worked as a dedicated nurse’s aide at various Nursing Homes. She continued caring for others as a home health aide and in her later years, lovingly helped care for her grandchildren.

Ruth was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in DeKalb, Illinois, and was actively involved for many years with the Catholic Daughters and the Ministry of Care. She will be fondly remembered by her children for her imaginative bedtime stories and her remarkable ability to play piano by ear, despite never having formal lessons.

Funeral Mass will be held Friday, October 10, 2025 at 10:30 am in St. Mary Catholic Church, 329 Pine St, DeKalb, Illinois 60115.  Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in DeKalb.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 10, from 10:00 am until time of service at 10:30 in the church.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.