Ruth Nathalie Willis

Ruth was born March 26, 1933 in Marion, Illinois, but most of her growing up years were lived in a small town in Southern Indiana, Chandler. Her mother was Edythe Carleton Bates, and her father was Richard Ottis Bates. Ruth was the fourth of six daughters. Her father died when she was eight years old, and her mother was left to raise the girls on her own. Ruth was preceded in death by her sisters Marjorie, Frances, Loah Jean, Carol and Janet.

Ruth was a cheerleader in high school, and to the end she loved watching basketball and football. She married her high school sweetheart, Ermil Ray Willis (d. 1984). They had four children Bradley ( Karen), Nathalie Carmean ( Scott), Laurie Jones ( d. David Jones in 2011 and d. Dean Breedlove 1984), and Brent ( Beth).

Ruth had 13 grandchildren whom she adored: David (Ashley), Ben ( Anne), Drew ( Erin), Brandon ( Sara), Gabriel, Rachel, Courtney (Steven), Luke, Nate ( Sarah), James, Michael and Matthew. Gabriel’s older sister the beloved grandchild Teana preceded Ruth in death in 1984 at the age of five. Ruth had 18 precious great grandchildren, and she had several nieces and nephews whom she also loved dearly.

Ruth retired from the VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO. She worked as a Secretary to the Chief of Pharmacy and the Chief of Dentistry. She was a member of the DAR (Sarah Boone Chapter) for twenty-five years. She attended the Raytown Baptist Church as long as she was able. She loved her Lord Jesus and she loved reading the Bible.

Ruth was a very special person, and was known to all for her sweet nature as well as her sense of humor, her love for her family , her devotion to country and her fondness for “goodies.” She will be missed by all of us who knew her. Fly with the Angels, Grammy. We will miss You, but we will see You again!

Come celebrate Ruth’s life with us on Saturday, February 4th, at Newcomer's Floral Hills (7000 Blue Ridge Blvd. Kansas City, Missouri) 12:00 – 2:00 pm visitation, with the funeral beginning at 2:00 pm.