Ruth H. Nessl, 101

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Ruth H. Nessl, 101, of Sorento, died at 1:20 p.m. Friday, May 10, 2019, at Cedarhurst in Greenville.

Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, at Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Sorento with the Rev. Frank Loskot, Jr. and the Rev. Robert Carter officiating. Interment will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery in Sorento. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, at the funeral home.

Mrs. Nessl was born July 12, 1917 in Reno, the daughter of Bessie M. (Edwards) Bills.  She was raised in Reno by her grandparents, Albert and Nancy Edwards.  She married Carl Smith in February 1934, and he preceded her in death.  She then married Harold Nessl in May of 1946, and he, too, preceded her in death. 

During World War II, she worked for Small Arms in St. Louis, MO, while taking care of her mother, sister, grandparents, and raising her daughter.  She then went on to work for Olin Corporation in East Alton for 40 years, where she was known as "Ruthie the riveter."

She devoted her life to her family and faith.  She was a member of the Reno Baptist Church for over 90 years, where she taught Sunday school and led various Bible studies.  She enjoyed quilting for her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, L. Nadine (Garold) Christian of Sorento,; grandchildren, Stephen (Linda) Sidwell of Alhambra, Stacey (Pam) Sidwell of Sorento, and Sharon (Eldon) Young of Sorento; five great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; a niece, Sandra Jordan of Alton; and nephews, Dennis Tosh of Worden, and Jeff Bean of Savannah, GA.

In addition to her parents and husbands, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Bessie "June" Bean; and a son-in-law, Cliff Sidwell.

Memorial contributions may be made to Reno Baptist Church, 661 16th Ave., Reno, IL 62246. Visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.