Ruth was a lifelong resident of Nevada. She was baptized in the Pine Street Baptist Church and attended Nevada High School. She worked as a seamstress at Key Work Clothes for 18 years and later at the Nevada State Hospital for 23 years until her retirement in 1992. Ruth was a longtime member of the Nevada Eagles and the BPO Elks Women’s Auxillary. In her younger years, Ruth enjoyed riding motorcycles, and camping, and loved being with her family.
Survivors include her three children, Karen Smith and her husband Eldon, Joplin, MO, Hank Merchant, Nevada, and Cheryl Peavler of Nevada, two sisters, Elaine Peavler, Nevada, Donna Patton and her husband Larry, Haysville, KS, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband Lavern, she was preceded in death by two sons, Steven Mitts and Ricky Merchant, and one brother, Frank Howell.
There are no services planned and a private committal will be held at Moore Cemetery.
