Ruth Ardella Marie (Frerichs) Cranford

Ruth Ardella Marie (Frerichs) Cranford, 93, of Litchfield, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 4:14 a.m. at Litchfield Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born November 23, 1931, in Litchfield, Illinois, a daughter of Edward and Emma (Sewing) Frerichs. She graduated from Litchfield High School. Ruth married Robert C. Cranford March 31, 1951, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. He preceded her in death June 17, 2014. Ruth baked many wonderful desserts at The Gardens Restaurant in Litchfield during her 26 years of employment there. Prior to that, she was a dedicated homemaker and candled eggs at the Litchfield Egg Warehouse. Ruth was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. She loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals, NASCAR, and game shows. She enjoyed playing Bingo and playing the lottery. 

She is survived by:

A son, Kevin (Connie) Cranford of Springfield

A daughter, Debra (Mike) Peters of Elburn

A granddaughter, Kristine Cranford of Milwaukee, WI

A step-grandson, Mike Peters of Montana

Many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Ruth was preceded in death by a son, Roger Allen Cranford; three sisters, Lucille Frerichs, Viola McKimmey, and Marie Morris; four brothers, George Frerichs, Benjamin Frerichs, John Frerichs, and infant brother Roy Frerichs.

Funeral services for Ruth will be held at 12 noon Monday, February 10, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Rev. Fred Kraemer will officiate.  Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  The family suggests memorials to Zion Lutheran School, 1301 N. State Street, Litchfield, IL 62056.

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