Ruth “Ruthie” A. McCollum – Benton, IL

Ruth “Ruthie” A. McCollum, 79, of Benton, passed away at 5:10 p.m., on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at her home in West City, IL.

She was born on January 22, 1943, to Billy and Laura (Knight) McCollum in Bell City, MO. She was employed at the Pizza Shack for 31 years, and most recently as a cashier at Benton Wal-Mart, so she could continue to see all of her favorite customers.

Ruthie was a die hard Elvis fan and collector. She enjoyed hunting for a great deal at rummage sales and turning her finds into DIY projects. An avid reader, she loved to learn about Native American culture and even wrote a novel that she said was guided by her Indian spirit. She collected turquoise jewelry, with the color always being reflected throughout her home and clothing. Nobody could beat her at a game of trivia, and she also liked playing glow bingo with friends.

Her favorite places to visit were Anna Maria Island, Scotland, and Graceland.

Ruthie will be remembered for her silly sense of humor, imaginative storytelling, and the immeasurable love she gave to her family and friends.

Ruthie is survived by her brother, Gary Michael (Jolene) McCollum; sister-in-law Dixie McCollum; six nieces, Erin Wright, Amanda Bleichner, Rhonda Thorne, Cindy Kinsey, Kelly Carr, and Michelle McCollum; five nephews, Robert Bleichner, Ryan Bleichner, Justin McCollum, John Acord, and Mark Acord; a cousin, Gail Stallion; two special friends, Isabel Smith and Pam Kerley; many great-nieces and nephews including Victoria and Magnolia Atchison, Addison Anastasi, Samuel Anastasi, Elliette Fletcher, and Rowan Fletcher.

Although she had no living children, she considered everyone who worked for her at the Pizza Shack to be her kids and reminisced about them often.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Billy M. and Laura V. McCollum, her daughter, Teri Shannon McCollum who was stillborn, her brother, Steven McCollum and her sister, Loyce Bleichner.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022. from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Ruthie’s wishes were to be cremated.

Memorials are suggested to the SIH Cancer Institute.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.