Mary Ruth Gates (Griffith), was born in Princeton, Missouri, September 20, 1933, and passed away July 30, 2025 in Springfield, Missouri from an extensive battle with cancer. Ruth grew up in Lucerne and graduated from Princeton High School. She worked at TWA in Kansas City and met Patrick Gates (Pat). Ruth and Pat were married in February 1956. Ruth retired from the Missouri State Social Services where she had worked in many local area offices.
Ruth is preceded by husband Pat, sister Jo Ann (McCollum), parents Leslie and Evelyn Griffith.
Ruth is survived by five children Kelly (wife Tina), Kent (wife Tracy), Craig (wife Jana), Nancy, and Farrin (wife Andrea). Fourteen grandchildren Lauren, Alexis, Eric, Makayla, John, Melissa, Susan, Chance, Marisa, Parker, Connor, Bram, Reece, and Cameron±. Seven great-grandchildren Harper, Nova, Aloy, Thyra, Astrid, Asher and Malik. Two nieces and one nephew, DeAnn, Rodney, and Janie.
Mom enjoyed watching her sports (including hockey due to her Canadian grandchildren), she was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball follower.
Mom, you left us beautiful memories. Your love is still our guide. Although we cannot see you, you are always at our side.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Reser Funeral Home, Warsaw. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at the Fairview Cemetery near Cross Timbers, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to fight breast cancer: www.komen.org or the Hospice Support Foundation: www.hospicesupportfoundation.org/donate
