Ruth V. Lee
Ruth V. Lee, 82, of Sullivan, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, December 9, 2021. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Ruth Verlene Lee was born on October 28, 1939 in Sullivan, Missouri, to Willard and Ruth (Roller) Lanham. She grew up in Bourbon and was raised by her aunt and uncle, Bill & Kate Lanham. Ruth attended Bourbon High School and graduated with the class of 1957. Following graduation, she was united in marriage to her first husband, Richard West. Together they were blessed with two children, Becky & Greg. Sadly, Richard soon passed away in 1961.
Ruth was remarried in December of 1961, to Ronald Ryther. To this union they were blessed with two more children, Rick and Machelle. Ronald too passed away in 1973.
She continued raising her four children as a single parent until she was untied in marriage to Roger Lee on July 3, 1977. Roger took in Ruth’s children as if they were his own. Ruth worked various jobs while raising her family, including Sears, Jeans American and eventually worked for Walmart for over 30+ years. Ruth & Roger shared countless memories together through the years until his passing in 1991.
Ruth loved spending time outside, especially when gardening and working on landscaping around her home. She also enjoyed going shopping from time to time and always loved a trip to the beaches in Florida & Hawaii. Treasure Island was one of her favorite destinations.
Ruth lived to take care of her children and grandchildren. Her world revolved around them. Ruth especially loved to spoil her grandchildren. She will be so dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Ruth is survived by her two sons, Greg West & wife Becky & Rick Ryther & wife Brenda, all of Sullivan, MO; two daughters, Becky Storck of Plant City, FL & Machelle Ryther & fiancé Ian of Ballwin, MO; a brother; David Gosnell & wife Connie of O’Fallon, MO; a sister, Leona Dejong & husband Terry of Iowa; twelve grandchildren: PD Alexander, Rachel Halbert, Sean Mulholland, Cory West & wife Becky, Nicole Beasley & husband Mark, Chris West & wife Deidra, Geoffrey Meade & wife Megan, Brandon Ryther, Hailey Noeker & husband Cody, Justin Blanton & wife Jenny, Josh Blanton & wife Katie, & Jessica Kennedy & husband Zack; seventeen great-grandchildren; as well as nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her three husbands; Richard West, Ronald Ryther & Roger Lee; parents, Willard & Ruth; uncle & aunt, Bill & Kate Lanham; a brother, Richard Gosnell; and a sister, Mamie Macklin.
A Celebration of Life Gathering was held from 3 – 6 p.m., on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at the Rock Church of Sullivan.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Friends may send their online condolences to Ruth’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.