Ruth (Miller) Rau, 81, of Panama, passed away at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
Ruth was born June 29, 1941, in Hillsboro, the daughter of Hugh Clarence and Carmen Winifred (Bollman) Miller. She graduated from Greenville High School with the Class of 1959, and in her younger years worked as a phone operator in Sorento, and for Webco in Litchfield. Ruth married Otto Rau on February 6, 1960, in Sorento, and they enjoyed over 63 years of marriage.
Ruth was a homemaker, devoting herself to her family. Later in life, she worked for Sears Catalog and CNB Bank in Hillsboro. She loved the company of others and was always a joy to be around. There was rarely a time Ruth didn’t have a big smile on her face.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Darrell Rau; sister, Wanda Bilyeu; and brothers, Darrell, Russell, and Donald Miller.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Otto Rau of Panama; son, Rex (wife, Micki) Rau of Donnellson; daughter-in-law, Cathy Ray of Panama; grandchildren, Joe Zobrist of Panama, Seth Balla of Texas, and Sarah (wife, Matt) Lafone of Pocahontas; great grandson, Jesse Zobrist; twin sister, Ruby Wallace of Sorento; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
No public services are planned at this time.
The family has entrusted Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Panama with arrangements.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Ruth, or to offer condolences to her family.
