Ruth Carrell Ward, 89, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2014 surrounded by family. Visitation at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 14th, Timothy Lutheran Church, Blue Springs on RD Mize. Funeral services to follow at 11:00 a.m.; burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kansas City.
Ruth was born June 6, 1924, in Middle Grove, Missouri, the daughter of Robert Ray and Bessie Elizabeth (Sweatnam) Carrell. Ruth was raised in the Moberly area and moved to Kansas City when she was a teenager. She graduated from Northeast High School at 15. She married Raymond E. Ward on June 20, 1942 just 14 days after her 18th birthday. They had four children. When she was young, Ruth worked as a para legal in Kansas City. Later she and her husband were partners in several businesses including: Alton Plaza Apartments, Mid-American Mortgage, Bishop Furniture, and Haymarket Development. Ruth was an interior decorator and a stay at home mother. Ruth was very dedicated to her church and her family.
Ruth was preceded in death by her mother, Bessie Davis; father, Ray Carrell; son, Mark Steven Ward in May 1966; former husband Raymond Ward; and brother, Robert Carrell. Her beloved sister, Shirley Krum, passed away in November 2013.
Her survivors include her daughter, Teresa McLain of Blue Springs; two sons, Michael and wife Barbra Ward of Lebanon, TN and Timothy Ward of Stover, MO; grandchildren, Melanie and Richard Davenport of Lee’s Summit; Megan and Brett Alexander of Independence; great-granddaughter Jorie Davenport; future great-grandchildren Braxton Alexander due in May and baby Davenport due in August; longtime companion Bill Schmoll of Blue Springs; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ruth was a dedicated Christian and an example of faith in action to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.
Arrangements: Royer-Hays Funeral Home, Blue Springs, MO 816-229-5551