Ruth Truitt

Ruth Marie Gray Truitt, a proud Weaubleau alumna and a true testament to the values of family, was born on August 25, 1931, in Springfield, Missouri, and peacefully passed away on October 13, 2023, at Parkview Health Care, Bolivar, Missouri. She was the beloved daughter of Orrie and Artie Mae Ryan Gray. Ruth was baptized April 5, 1959, and became a member of the First Baptist Church, Weaubleau. While living in Bolivar she attended Southern Hills Baptist Church and Heritage Baptist Church. Ruth's early years were characterized by her love for the game of basketball, where she excelled and became a star player during her time at Weaubleau High School. She loved to attend the basketball games of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her pride in being a Weaubleau alumna was unwavering, and her school spirit continued. At the 2023 Alumni Banquet she was recognized as being the oldest alumna present. On August 24, 1952, Ruth embarked on a lifelong journey with the love of her life, Don Truitt. Their love story began with a memorable honeymoon to Washington, D.C., and the East Coast, marking the start of a lifetime of adventures together. In November 1953 they welcomed their first daughter, Donna Ruth while living in Independence, Missouri. In 1954, the couple relocated to Collins, Missouri to start their farm life. In September in 1956, Connie Lee, the youngest, joined the family on her daddy’s birthday. In 1958, they purchased a farm along the Weaubleau Creek, south of Weaubleau. Shortly after the purchase, they built a Grade A dairy barn caring for the dairy cows and their livestock. Later, Don took on the role of manager at the MFA in Weaubleau, and Ruth followed suit, contributing her talents as a bookkeeper. They took pride in their farm where they worked the land and raised their two daughters. In 1977, they moved to Bolivar, Missouri as Don became the manager of the MFA. In 1983, the love of her life passed away. She continued to work at the MFA as a bookkeeper until she retired in 1997. Ruth enjoyed traveling with friends on bus trips and with Connie and her family on summer vacations. She made several trips to visit Donna as well. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Don, father, Orrie Gray; mother, Artie Mae Sebring; her stepfather, Emmett Sebring, along with her sisters, Opal Mae Kimball, Mickey Mitts, Georgia Campbell, and brother, James (Buddy) Willoughby, as well as four half-sisters, Darlene, Marjorie, Delores, and Laura, and one half-brother, Charles, who resided in California. Ruth leaves behind a legacy of love and enduring family bonds. She is survived by her loving daughter, Donna, and husband Curtis Wells, of Bolivar, and daughter Connie and her husband, Kenn Ratliff, of Weaubleau. Her legacy continues through her grandson, Kenny, and his wife, Renae Ratliff, of Weaubleau, and her granddaughter, Tonya, and her husband, Kelly Lepert, of Lee's Summit, Missouri. Her great-grandchildren, Jenna Ratliff, Chase Ratliff, Meadow Lepert, Addison Ratliff, Kale Lepert and great-great-grandson Hudson Saulle. Her grandchildren will always carry her memory in their hearts. Ruth is also survived by her sister, Linda, and her husband, Roger Humphrey, of Springfield, Missouri, and her sister-in-laws, Freda Willoughby, of Harrisonville, Mary Truitt of Independence as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Ruth's profound love for her family was evident in her every action, and she found her greatest happiness when they were in her presence. Ruth's memory will continue to be a source of inspiration for all those who were fortunate enough to know her, and her legacy of love and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of her loved ones. The family wishes to thank the staff of Butterfield Assisted Living and Parkview Health Care Facility for caring for her. Funeral services for Ruth will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar. A visitation will be held from one hour prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 Burial will follow at Robinson Cemetery in Collins, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Weaubleau Alumni Scholarship Fund.

Ruth Truitt

August 25, 1931 - October 13, 2023