M. Ruth Becker, 90-year-old resident of rural Poplar Bluff, departed this life Thursday, February 1, 2024. She was born February 13, 1933, in Ripley County, MO, to the late Riley and Myrtle (Crook) Payne.
Ruth enjoyed quilting and crocheting. She also liked to spend time gardening and reading. Ruth was of the General Baptist faith.
On New Year’s Day, 1954, Ruth married Otto P. Becker in Ripley County. He preceded her in death on April 8, 2014. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded by a son, Samuel Becker; sisters, Irene, Jessie, Sylvia, Alice, and Naomi; and brothers, Walter, Howard, and Roland.
Surviving are her children, Douglas (Jeannie) Becker of Poplar Bluff, Clifton (Ellen) Becker, also of Poplar Bluff, Roger (Marie) Becker of Huntsville, AR, Beverly (Chuck) Bowie of Paragould, AR, Sharon (Ray) Richmond of Doniphan, and Cynthia (Richard Pippin) Anderson of Seligman, MO; a sister, Joyce Baxter of Bland, MO; and a brother, John Payne of Doniphan. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Sunday, February 4, 2024. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 5, 2024, beginning at 1:00 p.m., also at Edwards Funeral Home. Pastor Johnny Meese will be officiating, and burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery.
