from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Ruth Ann Austin, 76, of Lincoln, Ill., died Dec. 23, 2014, at Memorial Medical Center, Springfield, Ill.

Mrs. Austin was born Nov. 5, 1938, in Clinton, Ill., the daughter of Jean (Meachum) and William “Ted” Lillard. She was a graduate of Lincoln Community High School and Millikin University School of Nursing. She married V. James Austin on Dec. 24, 1960, in Lincoln, Ill.

Mrs. Austin was a registered nurse, spending much of her career as Director of Nursing at the former Lincolnland Nursing Home and served as President of the Director of Nursing Council. Upon her retirement, she consulted on a number of long term care legal cases. She was considered an expert in the field of long term health care.

In retirement, Mrs. Austin became immersed in the Standardbred industry, a passion she and her husband shared. The Logan County Fair racing program was a cherished event that involved the entire family.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Jodi Becker, Jim (Gail) and Julie (Todd) Campbell; brother, Rex (Janis) Lillard; grandsons, Ethan Campbell, Austin Campbell, Owen Campbell, Cory (Sarah) Sisk, Matthew (Maggie) Becker and Luke Becker; great-grandson, Austin Becker; and special niece, Grace Lillard. She was preceded in death by her parents; and son, Jon William, who died in childhood.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 27) at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln, with Rev. Dayle Badman officiating. Burial will follow in New Union Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour (10-11 a.m.) prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to West Lincoln Broadwell School.