Ruth Ann Doyle

Ruth Ann Gruer Doyle, 89, of Jacksonville, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2020 in Peoria, Illinois.

She was born October 26, 1931 in Laddonia, Missouri to Mollie (Ehrlich) and Irvin Gruer. She was the youngest of six and is survived by her brother Edward Gruer. Growing up, she worked hard to help with the family farm. After she graduated from Laddonia High School in 1949, she attended business school in St. Louis.

She married Billie Eugene Doyle on September 13, 1953 in Georgetown, Maine. They were married 52 years, until he passed in March 2006. They loved to take trips together in both their motorhome and by motorcycle, travelling frequently to visit friends and loved ones, and to appreciate nature’s wonders all across North America.

Ruth was a loving mother, one who put her family first. Her family grew to include four sons, Dr. Dennis (wife, Shelley), Dr. Kelly (wife, Karen), Mark (wife, Sherry), and Dr. Edwin (fiancé, Robin Fromme); twin daughters, Dr. Anna L. Doyle (husband, Tim Barker), and Marie Doyle; twelve grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Always supportive and prepared to do anything for her family, she encouraged their passions and for them to follow their dreams.

She worked many jobs and handled many tasks.  She was a capable woman, hardworking and resilient. She worked alongside her husband as the office supervisor in his chiropractic practice. She was devoted to creating a loving, caring place for the people in her life, filled with home-cooked meals, fun, and a Cardinal game. Her heart was generous and giving.

Ruth was a member of Unity Church in Springfield. Her strong belief in the Lord and angels gave her strength and a wonderfully positive perspective that the people around her found inspiring. She joined Eastern Star and was initiated on June 28, 1956. She was affiliated with the Ada Robinson Chapter in 2003 and in 2018 was affiliated with the Chandlerville Chapter. She had the honor of being Worthy Matron in 1972 and 1979. She was active in church and Eastern Star activities. Around 2010 she joined a water aerobics program at Fitness World, which she attended twice a week. She so enjoyed the many friendships that she made through these communities.

Ruth Doyle’s body has been donated to Logan University, where her husband, daughter, and three sons studied chiropractic care and earned their degrees.

The family will host a memorial service to celebrate Ruth’s life. It will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, November 7, 2020, at First Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 2196 South Main in South Jacksonville. Friends and family are welcome to stay and share memories of Ruth following the service. Casual attire is welcomed, and if you have any Cardinal wear to celebrate Ruth's love for baseball, that is encouraged. The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, to please consider making a donation in Ruth’s name to either the Doyle Scholarship at Logan University or to Unity Church. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is assisting the family. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com and www.mykeeper.com/profile/RuthDoyle/.

You can make a donation in Ruth's name to the B.E. Doyle Scholarship either through their website or by mail:

• Logan University Website Donation Page:
  • This link will take you directly to the giving form https://www.logan.edu/form-donation
  • Under designation, select Endowed Named Scholarships
  • In the comment field, mention Dr. B.E. Doyle Scholarship
• Direct Mail:
  • In the memo line, state Dr. B.E. Doyle Scholarship
  • Mail to:
    • Logan University
    • Office of Institutional Advancement
    • 1851 Schoettler RoadChesterfield, MO 63017