Ruth Ellis (Seymour)'s Obituary
Ruth Ellis, beloved mother and grandmother, departed this life surrounded by loved ones the evening of Friday, August 30, 2019, at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri. Ruth was ninety-one years, eight months and seventeen days wise.
One of three children, she was born Alma Ruth Napier on December 13, 1927, in Springfield, Missouri, to Robert Lincoln and Johanna (Hosiner) Napier. A life-long resident, she was raised in Seymour and attended grade school at Liberty, then attended Seymour schools. Ruth was a dedicated mother and homemaker to seven children. She married Marion Lee Ellis on March 31, 1973. She also worked outside the home; her friendliness and gift of gab made her a popular waitress and cook for many years.
Ruth was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother. She had a special relationship with each of her children and grandchildren and they knew she loved them. Ruth was sassy and classy. She was known to be stubborn at times, but it was more her iron-will of independence coming through. She knew how to laugh and have a good time. She spoke her mind, but in a way of loving guidance, and she’d ‘give it right back to you’ if she thought it was deserved.
Ruth attended Seymour Freewill Baptist Church. She was an excellent cook and loved to bake. Chicken and noodles were a favorite request by family, but she was known for her hummingbird cakes. Friends and neighbors received her famous cakes for celebrations, times of sadness, and anything in between – her cake always brought a smile.
Ever the stylish woman, Ruth was always ‘put together’ when she left the house. She was her granddaughters’ fashion advisors – they called her a ‘fashionista’ – and have many fond memories and Snapchat videos of a fun-loving grandma. Besides sharing time with family, singing was her favorite pastime, especially older country and gospel music. Years ago, Ruth was a singer in the “Webster County Opry” at the Rogersville Senior Center. She loved to regularly attend Thursday night singing ‘jam sessions’ at the Rogersville Senior Center.
In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Ellis; a son, David Asher Jr.; a daughter, Tamie Asher Kessinger; her sister, Bessie Johnson, and brother, Marion Robert Napier.
Ruth is survived by a son, Robert and Judy Asher, of Rogersville, Missouri; four daughters, Jeannie Bogart of Mansfield, Missouri, Sue Merriett of Ava, Missouri, and Kathy Helsley, and Gerrie Riley, both of Seymour; twelve grandchildren, Amy Perkins, Carrie Asher, Wendy Bogart, Mike and Danae Bogart, Nicole and Adam Woods, David and Danielle Merriett, Jonathan Merriett, Ashley and Josh Miller, Zachary Kessinger, Andrew and Cassie Kessinger, Jeni and Cody Cottengim, and Ethan Riley; seventeen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; and many more dear friends and neighbors.
Alma Ruth Ellis leaves behind a lifetime of memories and happy moments for a family she loved dearly. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
A memorial has been established. The family would like to see any contributions given in memory of Ruth go to the singing group participating in Thursday night 'jam sessions' at the Rogersville Senior Center.
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