Betty Ruston, 93, Passes Away in Bonnie

Longtime Secretary of State Office employee and Bonnie Church of God member remembered by family and community.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:28pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a small rural church, with the steeple and windows glowing in warm, soft pools of light, conceptually representing the quiet passing of a community member.The passing of a longtime community member in Bonnie, Illinois reflects the evolving nature of rural life and public service in the region.Aurora Today

Betty Ruston, a 93-year-old resident of Bonnie, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor. Ruston was born in Lexington, Nebraska in 1933 and worked for many years at the Secretary of State Office in Springfield before retiring. She was a member of the Bonnie Church of God and is survived by her son, a sister, a brother, and several nieces and nephews.

Why it matters

Ruston's passing marks the loss of a long-time community member and public servant in the small town of Bonnie. Her life and work reflect the changing demographics and economic shifts in rural Illinois over the past several decades.

The details

Betty Ruston spent her career working for the Secretary of State Office in Springfield before retiring. She was an active member of the Bonnie Church of God. Ruston is survived by her son Roy Ruston of Ina, her sister Beverly Smithey of Myrtle, Mississippi, and her brother Charles Johnston and his wife Mary of Aurora, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents and several siblings.

  • Betty Ruston passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
  • Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, April 10th at Kirk Cemetery in Ina.

The players

Betty Ruston

A 93-year-old resident of Bonnie, Illinois who worked for many years at the Secretary of State Office in Springfield before retiring. She was an active member of the Bonnie Church of God.

Roy Ruston

Betty Ruston's son, who lives in Ina, Illinois.

Beverly Smithey

Betty Ruston's sister, who lives in Myrtle, Mississippi.

Charles Johnston

Betty Ruston's brother, who lives in Aurora, Colorado with his wife Mary.

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The takeaway

Betty Ruston's life and work in public service reflect the changing demographics and economic shifts in rural Illinois communities over the past several decades. Her passing marks the loss of a long-time community member and dedicated public servant.