Vera Ruth Storment's Obituary
Vera Ruth “Ruth” Storment, age 81, of Ashmore, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 5:50 p.m. She was born on January 29, 1944, in Terre Haute, Indiana, the daughter of Clarence Warner and Alice Vera (Earhart) Warner.
Ruth was a woman who loved in a way that was simple, steady, and unforgettable. She showed her care for others in everyday ways, especially through food. Her ham salad was legendary in the family, a recipe everyone asked for and no one could ever quite remake the same way she did. Baking was her love language, and her kitchen was a place of comfort, warmth, and laughter. No one ever left her home hungry, and no one ever left without feeling cared for.
Family was the center of Ruth’s world. She loved nothing more than being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. No matter how busy life became or how tired she might have been, she always showed up. She could always be found in the stands at baseball, basketball, football, and softball games, or sitting proudly at dance or tumbling competitions, cheering on those she loved. She never missed the moments that mattered and made each person feel important simply by being there.
Ruth also knew how to have fun. She loved playing card games with family and friends, filled with conversation, laughter, and just the right amount of friendly competition. She never met a casino she didn’t like, and they seemed to like her too. In public, she was often spotted wearing one of her favorite Winnie the Pooh or Mickey Mouse sweaters, a reminder of her playful spirit and the joy she carried with her. She found happiness in the simple things, and through that, she taught others how to truly enjoy life. Music filled much of Ruth’s life as well. She dearly loved Elvis Presley, George Strait, and Charley Pride, and many cherished memories were made riding in the car with her while those songs played. Even in her final days, those sounds remained close to her heart.
Faith played an important role in Ruth’s life. She was a Christian who loved attending church at Salisbury Church with her husband and family, and her presence helped shape the spiritual foundation of those around her. For her grandchildren especially, she helped form their earliest understanding of God, heaven, and faith through her quiet example. Even when her health no longer allowed her to attend regularly, her faith never left her.
Ruth had an especially tender heart for animals. She deeply loved her dogs and took great joy in feeding the birds in her backyard, carefully tending to birdhouses and hummingbird feeders. Cardinals held a special meaning for her and became a part of her everyday life, even appearing on her sweatshirts. Many can forever think of Ruth when they see a cardinal. She also had a comedic side, once even dressing up a decorative goose that brought smiles to all who saw it.
Ruth was employed for many years in the Production Department at Dow Inc. in Charleston, Illinois, where she was known for her steady dedication and strong work ethic. She was a member of and served as Senior Regent of the Ladies of the Moose, and her picture still hangs on the wall in the lodge, reflecting both her leadership and her love for community.
Ruth was married to Stephen Cyrus Brandt, Sr., on May 6, 1966, in Marshall, Illinois. He preceded her in death on July 22, 2001. She later married Garry Wayne Storment on July 1, 2004, in Paducah, Kentucky, who survives.
She is survived by her loving husband, Garry Storment; her brother, Howard Warner (Linda) of Martinsville, Illinois; her children, Terry Brandt of Charleston, Illinois; Sharon (Ron) VanNess of Lerna, Illinois; Shella (Dewayne) Fite of New Carlyal, Ohio; Todd (JoLee) Coleman of Effingham, Illinois; Stephanie (Lewis) Schrock of Lerna, Illinois; Randall Kirk of Indianapolis, Indiana; and step-son Chad (Kim) Storment of Charleston, Illinois. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were a tremendous source of pride and joy in her life.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Stephen Cyrus Brandt, Sr.; her brothers, Dale Warner, Bob Warner, and Charles Warner; her sister Linda (Bob) Davis; her sister-in-law Betty Warner; her sons Stephen Brandt, Jr., George Brandt, and Tony Warner; and her beloved Westies, Sammy and Jackson, who were never far from her side.
Visitation will be held Monday, December 15, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston, Illinois. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Scott Sims officiating. Burial will take place at Lindsey Cemetery near Martinsville, Illinois. Pallbearers will be Mykayla Schrock, Jacob Schrock, Taylor Warner, Justin Coleman, Jeff Coleman, and Jordan Coleman.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Coles County Animal Shelter, 6818 N. Co. Rd. 1120 E., Charleston, IL 61920, reflecting Ruth’s lifelong love for animals.
The family extends heartfelt and sincere thanks to Sarah Bush Hospice, the Beevers family, and AnaGrace for the compassion, care, and kindness shown to Ruth and her loved ones during this time.
Ruth’s life was a beautiful example of devotion to family, joy in the simple things, and love without condition. While hearts are heavy with her loss, the family is deeply thankful for every memory she gave and for the time they were blessed to share with her. She will always be remembered, and she will always be loved.
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