Ruth Heideman (nee Gassler), 97, of Ashkum passed away peacefully on May 26 after a long life filled with family and friends, social events, and community engagement. She was born at home in Cullom on May 11, 1929, to Andrew and Irene Gassler. She had thirteen siblings, and she placed third in the family.
Ruth married Glenn Heideman on June 19,1954. They met at a dance in Ashkum, and together they enjoyed polka dancing. They moved to Ashkum after their marriage and continued to serve the community through volunteer work. Ruth never missed an opportunity to contribute her delicious pies for the Ashkum Homecoming, funerals, and other events. The couple were known as good neighbors, reliable and generous pillars of the community, who could be called upon to volunteer in any event. Glenn died on May 22, 1991, and Ruth continued their tradition throughout her life. She was a member of the Assumption B.V.M. Catholic Church, member and past president of the Council of Catholic Women, named Woman of the Year on two occasions, member and President of The American Legion Auxiliary, Ashkum Township Clerk (elected on at least seven occasions).
Raising children and working outside of the home was not the norm for her generation, but Ruth valued her family and her work. She raised four children and a bonus son who lived with the family for several years to finish high school.
Ruth’s first job was at the Katharine Beich Candy Company in Bloomington. After marrying, Ruth worked at Ashkum Fertilizer/Occidental Chemical Company with Glenn until a nepotism policy ended her employment, and Meier Oil offered her a position when they heard the news. She continued to work at Meier Oil (later Manito) until the age of eighty-four.
Ruth is survived by three children, Jean (Scott Szala), Paul (Tracy), and Roger (Carol), five grandchildren—Kayla, Randy, Anna, Thomas, and Emily, and one great-grandchild, Oliver. Survivors include two sisters, Phyllis Moritz (Edward) and Sharon McCoy, a brother, Richard (Leslie Kopp), and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. A brother-in-law, Marion, survives. Ruth has three surviving godchildren--Margaret Wilkens, Michael Biagini, and Keith Moritz.
Preceding her in death in addition to her husband, Glenn, include Daniel, her son; Robert Massey, her bonus son; six brothers—John, Arthur, Eugene, Robert, Merle, and Wendell; two sisters—Frances and Gloria; two infant sisters—Margaret and Betty.
In the final chapter of her life, she received excellent and compassionate care from Kathy Koch, Sue Riley, Judy Harling, the Uplifted Care Team, and the Westwood Assisted Living staff. The family is eternally grateful. The family also expresses gratitude to the numerous individuals (family and friends) who visited during these past two years.
Visitation will be on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum. Burial will follow in the Ashkum Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ashkum American Legion Auxiliary or CCW.
Please share a memory of Ruth at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
