George Root

George B. Root, 88, of Marissa, and formerly of Rushville, passed away at 11:27 am on Monday, September 11, 2023, at his home in Marissa.

He was born on April 27, 1935, in Schuyler County, the son of the late Jesse Raymond & Alice Louise (Sears) Root. George married Gwendolyn Sipes on June 26, 1954, in Rushville, and together they shared 68 years of marriage until her passing on January 10, 2023.

George worked as a coal miner for Peabody Coal Company in Freeburg, and then for Arch Mineral in Percy. Later in life, George drove a semi-truck until his retirement. He was a life member of the Marissa Masonic Lodge #881 and Ainad Shrine in East St. Louis. George was also a member of the First Christian Church of Rushville & the Union Avenue Christian Church of Litchfield. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal’s baseball fan. George enjoyed giving his time and volunteering for various activities which included helping at the Caring Center in Gillespie and for several area food banks. George loved his family and liked to spend time with them, especially his grandkids.

George is survived by three sons, Steven (Vicki) Root of Carlyle, Michael Root of Springfield and Darrin (Pamela) Root of Marissa, Illinois; grandchildren, Hannah (Alex) Linder of O’Fallon, Rachel (Lukas) Petrea of Salem, Gina Root of Carlyle, Matthew Davis of Carlyle, Becky Davis of New Baden, Elizabeth Root of Marissa, and Rebecca Root of Marissa, two great-grandchildren; Myla and Benjamin Linder;  a brother; Larry (Nancy) Root of Lexington, Missouri and by several nieces and  nephews. Besides his wife & parents, George was preceded in death by his grandson; Christopher Root, a sister; Della Faye McDonald, three brothers; Eldred, LaVerne & Donald Root and by a daughter in-law; Billie Jo Hall.

Funeral services honoring George’s life will be conducted immediately following Masonic Rites at 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Triplett & Wood Funeral Home of Rushville. Masonic rites will be accorded by the Rushville Masonic Lodge AF&AM #9.  Interment will follow at the Rushville City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of services at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of George are suggested to the Marissa Food Pantry or to the First Christian Church of Rushville. You are invited to share your memories of George and leave a condolence at www.triplettwood.com