Funeral services for Ruth Ferrel will be 10:30 AM Monday, July 9, 2012 at the Mullinax Funeral Home in Butler, Missouri (660) 679-0009 with Brother Bill Perkey officiating. Visitation Sunday evening, 5-7 PM at Mullinax Funeral Home. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.
Helen Ruth Ferrel, 86 of Abilene, Texas and formerly of Butler, Missouri, died July 4, 2012 in Abilene. Ruth was born July 2, 1926 in Linn County, Kansas, daughter of George and Evelyn (Crawford) Thomas.
Ruth was recognized in 2003 by Missouri Department of Education for the protégé title as a Missouri Pioneer Teacher and was one of five State of Missouri educators selected in 2003 as Missouri Pioneer Teacher for more than 50 years of a distinguished career and contributions to public education. Ruth started in a one-room school house where she had to build a fire in a pot belly stove to keep warm, to today’s modern Butler Elementary School house. Ruth’s dedication to education for over 50 years has shaped the minds of the Bates County Community.
Ruth was preceded in Death by her parents, husband Paul E. Ferrel on March 10, 2008, and three brothers, John Thomas, David Thomas and Paul Thomas. She is survived by two sons, LTC (R) Paul Allen Ferrel of Bulverde, Texas, and Gary Lynn Ferrel of Abilene, Texas, one sister, Barbara Evelyn Slater of Galax, Virginia, 13 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Ruth influenced many young lives during her career as an educator. She was proud of her profession and proud of her family. I am happy to have known her and worked with her.
I don’t know that I ever saw Ruth without a smile on her face. She dedicated her life to the teaching profession and touched many, many lives.
When I think of Aunt Ruth I think of summer days on a farm and home made strawberry ice cream. They were few but memorable. Gary, Allen and Aunt Barbara I am thinking of you. Love Kris
We were sorry to hear about Ruth. She was a teacher for Marylyn at Pleasant Gap school, a one-room school with a pop belly stove. Marylyn was in about the fifth grade. I found her to be plasant and supportive. She is a person that has made this world a better place. Deepest sympathy is extended to the family.
Leonard and Marylyn Ernsbarger
Nevada, MO.
I will always remember you Grandma. you was the best Grandma in the world.I remember endless summers on the farm milking cows,little road trips and county fairs and going to summer school with her.I remember making dresses with her. I remember her taking me to bible school.I remember everything like it was yesterday And will cherish.What an amazing life she lived.And all people that she has touched.You will forever be loved and remembered.
Jessica Ferrel ..TX
she was a great person she like helping little kids. She loved to read to the kids… she will be sadly missed by lots of people …..
I have so many wonderful memories of Ruth. She always greeted me with a smile and was a good friend to my mom/family! Rest in peace, sweet Ruth!
I was so shocked to see her grave at the cemetery yesterday. Mrs. Ferrel was my wonderful second grade teacher. Boy don’t I remember finishing those Sam and Ann Readers that we had started in first grade. “Sam solved the Sphinx’s riddle by cutting the giant rope knot in two.” She was a wonderful educator if I can remember that after over 40 years.