Betty Ruthe, a 79-year-old woman from Macomb, Illinois, tragically died on November 15, 2018. Betty, along with her husband Larry Ruthe, 80, was found deceased at their residence. The Macomb Police Department investigated the incident and determined it to be a murder-suicide. According to the police, Larry Ruthe shot his wife, Betty, before taking his own life.
The couple was discovered after a postal worker noticed an unusual accumulation of mail outside their home and alerted the authorities.
The investigation revealed that no note was left behind, leaving the motive for the tragic event unclear. The police chief mentioned that detectives would continue to gather information from those who knew the couple to understand what might have led to this incident. Both Betty and Larry were retired; Larry had worked for the city's water department, and Betty had been employed at McDonough District Hospital. The couple was well-respected in their community and known for their involvement in neighborhood activities.
There were no arrests or suspects beyond Larry Ruthe, as the case was classified as a murder-suicide. Consequently, there were no further litigations or law cases related to Betty Ruthe's death. The community mourned the loss of the couple, who were remembered for their love of animals, particularly squirrels and dogs, and their active participation in local Christian gospel concerts. The funeral services for Betty and Larry Ruthe were held at the Macomb Assembly of God Church, where they were laid to rest together.
