Ruth Ann Janssen, 85, of Hannibal, Missouri, formerly of Golden, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on May 9, 2026. Ruth Ann was born on July 25, 1940, the daughter of the late William A. and Ellen Haschemeyer Johnson.

She was baptized on August 11, 1940, in the Keller House of Trinity Lutheran Church by Pastor K. William Braun. Her sponsors were Chris and Dorothy Johnson. She was later confirmed in her faith on April 11, 1954. Her Bible verse was 1 Corinthians 6:20: “For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” Ironically, this was the same Bible verse given to her future husband, Gene. Her Christian faith remained an important part of her life.

Ruth Ann graduated from Central High School in Camp Point in 1958, where she was honored as high school prom queen. On April 17, 1960, Ruth Ann married the love of her life, Gene Janssen, who survives. They just celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary last month. They had a wonderful marriage and were ALWAYS a couple.. whether at work or play! They were a team as they worked together daily on the farm, and she was never afraid to get on a tractor to help any way she could. She made many meals for all their farm help for years… her favorite dessert being strawberry pie. Their unwavering love and commitment to one another was always evident. Ruth Ann’s favorite quote, which was also evident in her life, was: “There’s work and there’s love. To work with someone you love is a great thing.”

Ruth Ann is survived by her daughter, Dawn (Dennis) Miller of Camp Point, Illinois; her son, Greg Janssen (Virginia Frese) of Golden, Illinois; five grandchildren: Kari Muskopf of Millstadt, Illinois, Dr. Drew Miller of St. Louis, Missouri, Jacqueline (Chase) Hildebrand of Golden, Illinois, Dr. Jayley (Alex) Janssen Rinella of Phoenix, Arizona, and Janelle Janssen of Phoenix, Arizona; five great-grandchildren: Amelia, Grady, Adeline, Oliver, and August; her brother, Chuck Johnson of Camp Point, Illinois; her sisters-in-law, Lois Hamilton of Quincy, Illinois and Lavon Norris of La Prairie, Illinois; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William A. and Ellen Johnson; her older sister, June Bridgeman; and her brother-in-law, Ronald Janssen.

Ruth Ann enjoyed traveling with Gene, especially attending the National Finals Rodeo every year in December. Her greatest love was her family. She treasured her two children and five grandchildren and was so proud of each of them. She was doubly blessed in recent years with five great-grandchildren who she adored.

Ruth Ann thoroughly enjoyed getting together with her high school friends for their monthly card group and loved meeting girlfriends for morning coffee or a lunch date. You never saw her out without being all dressed up and wearing her sparkly jewelry.

Ruth Ann never forgot to send a card to anyone to let them know she was thinking of them, and hers was always the first Christmas card anyone would receive.

Ruth Ann will be lovingly remembered for her faith, kindness, love of family, and her warmness towards everyone. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Golden on Thursday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Adam Doellman officiating.  Burial will follow at Golden Memorial Gardens in Golden, Illinois.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at J. Otto Funeral Home in Golden, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Golden, Illinois, or Golden Memorial Gardens, Golden, Illinois.