Ruth A. Soppe

Ruth A. Soppe, of Savanna, IL, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 16, 2025, after a long illness. She was 83 years old. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 22, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna, followed by a meal in her honor. A private family graveside service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Ruth’s memory.

Ruth was born on December 16, 1941, to Russell and Norma (Madison) Gleason. A lifelong resident of Savanna, she graduated from Savanna High School with the Class of 1959. In 1965, she embraced her faith and became a full member of the Catholic Church. On June 10, 1967, Ruth married Peter Neubauer, with whom she shared 28 years of marriage and raised three children. After Peter’s passing in 1995, Ruth found love again connecting with Dan Soppe. They married on December 26, 1998, and spent 26 years together in a partnership of love and devotion.

Ruth’s greatest passion was caring for others, especially children. She ran a daycare from her home for 28 years and continued to babysit well beyond that. She was a devoted member of Catholic Daughters and Ladies of the Moose. Her faith played a central role in her life—she was an active member of St. John’s, where she sang in the Resurrection Choir, taught religious education, served as a Eucharistic minister, and even filled in as parish secretary when needed. Ruth’s faith and deep love for her husband, Dan, were the guiding forces in her life. Together, they exemplified true companionship, caring for each other with unwavering devotion.

She is survived by her loving husband, Daniel Soppe of Savanna; her children, Sue Ellen (David) Shepard of Hanover, IL, Matthew Neubauer of Brunswick, GA, and Kevin Neubauer of Freeport, IL; her stepchildren, Roger (Lori) Soppe of Cedar Rapids, IA, Donald (Terri) Soppe of Endeavor, WI, and Peggy (Scott) Brandt of Savanna; Step-son Peter’s wife, Laurie Soppe of Savanna; as well as 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Ruth was preceded in death by her first husband, Peter Neubauer; her daughter, Barbara Gleason; her parents, Russell and Norma Gleason; her siblings, Donald Gleason, George Gleason, and Nancy Johnson; and her stepchildren, Peter Soppe and Mary Ann Soppe.