Ruth Bernice Whitacre

Ruth Whitacre

Ruth Bernice Whitacre, 89, of Unionville, MO passed away peacefully in her sleep at the Putnam County Care Center on Friday, May 30, 2014.

Ruth was born on December 19, 1924 in Mendota, MO. She was the daughter of Charles and Laura (Porter) Baughman. She graduated top of her class from the Livonia High School where she was also a talented basketball and softball player. Ruth was united in marriage to Bryce Earl Whitacre in Livonia, MO on June 29, 1946 and to this union three children were born: Lonnel Bryce (1947), Robert Porter (1949), and Susan Laurette (1956). Bryce preceded her in death in December of 2000. Ruth tended the home as a gifted seamstress, gardener and cook who enjoyed the arts of drawing, painting and crocheting. She worked the farm alongside her husband, was a cake decorator and in tax season she worked in town as a tax preparer, but took time to enjoy life through square dancing and mastering shuffle board. Ruth served her community by staying involved with the University Extension and 4-H. She was a member of the Unionville First Christian Church, Eastern Star, Red Hat Society, and the Art Club plus many other organizations throughout her life. She was an avid St Louis Cardinal fan. Bryce and Ruth enjoyed spending the winters in Texas as long as their health allowed. Very rarely did you visit with Ruth that she didn’t have a joke to tell or pull on you. Her favorite was the Dog Jaw one! Ruth was a very devoted mother, but then came the grandchildren! She rarely missed the events her children and grandchildren were involved in. Ruth lived a very long and productive life and was also blessed by 11 great-grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by a son, Robert (Bob) Whitacre of Lucerne, MO, and a daughter, Susan Ryals and husband Paul of Lathrop, MO. Her surviving grandchildren include Melissa Haught and husband Gary, Matt Whitacre and wife Carla, Chris Ryals and wife Debra, Andi Foster and husband Matt, Brad Ryals and wife Rachel, Jeff Ryals and wife Heatherlee, and Katie Ryals. Ruth’s surviving great grandchildren are Sydney, Parker and Sophia Whitacre, Lauren Haught, Ethen, Aiden and Eli Ryals, Madden and Roper Foster, Holden Ryals, and Ryker Ryals. Several nieces and nephews, cousins and relatives also survive

When you left she would always say, “See ya later alligator!” and we’d all reply “After while crocodile!” This wonderful and talented fun loving hat wearing lady will be missed by all, but we are very thankful for the memories we all hold dear in our hearts

In addition to Ruth’s husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Lonnel Bryce Whitacre, Feb. 18, 1968; two sisters, Mary Underwood and Helen Terry; and three brothers, Porter, Ed, and Dick Baughman. As well as a niece Judy (Terry) Bragg, and nephew Harold Terry.

Memorials for Ruth are suggested to the 4-H building and may be entrusted to the Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.