Memorial Services for Ruth Wallace, Age 85 of Mansfield, Missouri will be held on Monday, September 7th, 2026 at The Wolf Creek Baptist Church, Mansfield, Missouri
Arrangements under the direction of The Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mansfield, Missouri.
Mildred Ruth (Gilmore) Wallace, daughter of the late James and Allie (Davis) Gilmore, was born on February 13, 1941, near Mineral Wells, Texas. She departed this life on September 2, 2026, at her home in Mansfield, Missouri, at the age of 85 years, 6 months, and 20 days.
During Ruth’s childhood, her father worked on the pipeline, which led her family to move frequently. In her younger years, she loved driving around with friends and attending concerts. She later settled in Mansfield, where she met Donald Wallace, a friend of her brothers with whom she frequently spent time. The two fell in love and were united in marriage on February 1, 1975. They have shared 52 years of marriage together and built a beautiful family.
In her spare time, Ruth loved to read and go to yard sales, but above all else, she cherished the time she spent with her family. Affectionately known as “Nana Ruth,” she truly became a grandmother to the entire town. She was a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan and a huge admirer of Elvis. Ruth loved to play cards; she was, arguably, the best Pitch partner. She found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was a hot cup of coffee, a cold Dr. Pepper, or simply relaxing with a cigarette. Ruth was also known to make the absolute best blackberry cobbler ever!
On July 25, 2026, Ruth made her public profession of faith and was baptized, a very proud moment for her and her entire family.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, James, and Allie Gilmore, six children, Grace, Andrew, Mike, Kenneth, James, and Cindy, ten siblings, Evelyn, Louise, Bum, Billy Joe, Richard, Wanda, Joyce, Robert, Charles, and Sharon, and two grandchildren, KC and Christie.
She is survived by her loving husband, Don Wallace, five children, Lisha (Bob), Valerie, Giles, Russell, and Jim (Karen), one sibling, Alyne, seventeen grandchildren, Ruthie, Bobby, Kenneth, Christy, Dawn, Ashley, Brent, Brian, Samantha, Ethan, Kristen, Ryan, Sondra, Robert, Frank, Kevin, and Michelle, thirty-three great-grandchildren, thirteen great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Ruth was a very special person who will be deeply missed by her family and many friends. Her memory will live on in their hearts forever.
