Ruth attended Nebo primary school until 8th grade. She attended Alton High School for two years and then transferred to Central High School in Springfield, MO, when her family relocated for her father’s work. She graduated from Central in 1961. Ruth went on to Byrd Nursing School in Springfield to receive a certificate as a surgical scrub technician. She worked in general surgery and labor and delivery. On September 28, 1963, Ruth married Glen Woodrow Booker at Pleasant Ridge Free Will Baptist Church in Alton, MO. The couple were life-long church members.
Ruth and Glen travelled with his job as a bridge builder for the first 5 years of their marriage. In 1973, their home was built in Alton by George Martin, Henry Williams and Glen. Three daughters were born and raised on the family farm—Glennette, Tina and Julia. Ruth was fond of children and opened Nanny’s Playhouse and Daycare in 1988. She nurtured dozens of Alton’s children and special needs individuals. Another of Ruth’s adventures was operating a dairy farm, starting in 1996. She milked twice a day for years without complaint. Ruth had a big, loving heart. She was hard-working and never shied away from a challenge. She loved God, her family and her community.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Glen. Daughters: Glennette and Chris Haney; Tina and Curtis Haney; and Julia and Inocencio Leija. Grandchildren: Aaron and Brittany (Sisco) Haney; Tiffany Haney; Tabitha (Haney) and Chandler Davis; Andrea (Haney) and Nick Beene; Martin Leija; Isaac Haney; Liliana Leija; Emilia Leija. Great grandchildren: Miley Haney; Mason Haney; Marshall Davis. Sister: Rebecca (Martin) and Wendell Williams. Brother: Kenneth and Barbara (Ford) Martin. Brothers-in-law: Allen Roland; Lonnie and Margaret (Warren) Booker. Sisters-in-law: Mary (Johnson) Booker; Leona Booker; Marilyn Booker. Aunt: Eunice (Simpson) Stogsdill. As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, sister Brenda (Martin) Roland, grandparents Elzie and Pearl (Watson) Simpson and Philander and Nova (Biffle) Martin; in addition to her great grandparents and other loved ones. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Funeral services will be 2pm Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Clary Funeral Home in Alton, MO, burial in the Cave Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1pm-2pm just prior to the service.
