RuthAnn Wachal, 72, of Clarks, died Friday, September 11, 2026, at her home near Clarks surrounded by family. RuthAnn’s wishes were to have a private family service at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to the family to be designated at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral. com.

Ruth was born September 8, 1954, to William and Rutha (McCall) Nelson in Oak Park, Illinois. She graduated from Miami Norland High School in Florida in 1972. After high school, Ruth attended Joliet College in Chicago.

Ruth met John Wachal in December 1983, and they were united in marriage on March 16, 1984.

The couple lived on a farm outside of Schuyler. In 2010, they moved to Clarks and made it their home.

Ruth loved to garden. Together, she and John created two large cottage gardens, a rose garden, and an herb garden. There wasn’t a plant she could pass by without admiring it.

Ruth was a local Avon representative in Schuyler. She received numerous awards for her hard work. She was also active with the Merrick Medical Auxiliary for five years. She loved to share her life with her friends. Ruth loved animals, especially dogs and cats.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Martha Wachal.

Ruth is survived by her children, Erika (Mark) Meyerhoffer of Lincoln, John (Jodie) Wachal of Lincoln, and Robert (Tim) Browning of Littleton, Colorado; her brother, Bill Nelson of Joliet, Illinois; and three grandchildren, Emma, Madison, and Rylie Wachal, all of Lincoln.

The Republican-Nonpareil| September 17, 2026