GREENVILLE, Mo. - Mary Ruth Twidwell-Payton of Lodi was born in Lodi on May 27, 1929 to the late James Raymond and Verna Lucille (Lewis) Roach. She departed this life at Oakdale Care Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on July 16, 2018 at the age of 89 years 1 month and 20 days. A long time resident of Lodi, Mary Ruth took pride in being a wife, mother and homemaker. She was a member of Lodi Community Church since childhood.
Mary Ruth married Forrest M. Twidwell on May 13, 1949. Mr. Twidwell preceded her in death on April 26, 1969. To this union four children were born. Linda F, Lois R, Forrest M. Jr. and Leah F. Surviving is one son, Forrest M. Twidwell and his wife Tracey, of Lodi, and two daughters, Linda Jones and her husband Charles, and Lois Shearrer and her husband Dennis, all of Poplar Bluff. One daughter Leah Fern Twidwell preceded her in death on August 6, 1989.
Mary Ruth married James Vernon Payton on August 6, 1976. Mr. Payton preceded her in death on June 18, 1995. Mary Ruth gained a very kind and loving husband, her grandchildren gained a wonderful grandfather and her children gained another sibling who was as kind and loving as her father, his daughter, Vicki (Payton) Johnson and her husband David of Blackwell. They also survive her.
Mary Ruth was one of ten children raised in Raymond and Verna's home. Four sisters survive her, Faye Sutton and her husband Jim, of Piedmont, Carol Shaffer and her husband Norman, of Henderson, Texas, Jackie Hart, of Poplar Bluff and Denise Shoemaker and her husband Dennis of Piedmont. Preceding her in death were two brothers, Jim Roach and Lee Roach; three sisters Permalee Bridges, Phyllis VanNoy and Rosalee Sullivan. Three sisters-in-law also survive, Sue (Barker) Roach (Lee's wife) of Piedmont, Daphne (Twidwell) Hershey, (Forrest's sister) and Pat (Sullivan) Twidwell, (Forrest's brother, Glendell Twidwell's, wife) of Piedmont.
Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Angela Jackson and her husband Doug, Becky Dennis and her husband Delbert, Charlie Jones, Kelly Spradling and her husband Bert, Lance Shearrer, Tara Looney and her husband Matt, Forrest Twidwell and his wife Kathy, three bonus grandchildren Kara Buckeridge and her husband (Jim), Laura Johnson and Missi Strohmayer and her husband (Patrick) along with 21 great grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, all of whom she loved dearly.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Lewis Cemetery, c/o Mary Hampton, 226 Comanche Drive, Piedmont, MO 63957.
Mary Ruth was the same type mother as was her mother. She taught her children to love God and each other, support the church, love our country, work for what we want, love and help our family, friends, neighbors and even strangers. She taught her children to also have respect for others, good manners, good morals and a sense of responsibility. She spent her life caring for others. Her family and friends were what made her happiest and she had a huge heart full of love for every one. Mary Ruth was a loving and loyal wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be missed by many, but her memory will live on in our hearts.
Morrison-Worley Funeral Chapel will be in charge of services.
Visitation is at 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 24, 2018, at their Greenville, Mo. chapel. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at Lodi Community Church, Lodi, MO. Interment will be in the Lewis Cemetery.
Paid