Ruth Evelyn Scoggins went joyously to meet Jesus on Monday, April 30, 2018 at Oakdale Skilled Nursing Center in Poplar Bluff. Ruth was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to H. A. (Arch) and Laura Areena Scoggins August 4, 1932.
Ruth graduated from PBHS in 1950 as Salutatorian of her class. She immediately began her career in banking at the State Bank on Main at Vine.
In the late 1950s she moved with family friends to Topeka, Kansas, and continued her banking experience for six years there. She returned to Poplar Bluff, still in banking, and Aug. 1, 1964, became associated with First Midwest Bank, where she remained until her retirement at age 80 after 62 years in banking. At that time, she was Bank Cashier and Auditor. She was honored by the bank with gifts, special recognition, and a reception at the bank.
As long as she was at the bank she took Polaroid pictures of the children who came in with their parents, posting them on the cork board behind her desk. As they grew up, many of these children returned to her desk to look for their own pictures among the hundreds on the board.
Ruth grew up in the First Christian Church in Poplar Bluff, where she served as Youth Director, Sunday School teacher, member and officer of Christian Women's Fellowship, Stewardship Chairman, and member of the Board of Directors.
Later, at the First Presbyterian Church, she became an Ordained Elder, where, among her many activities, she presented the eagerly awaited Time for Children during Morning Worship.
For the past several years, she continued her joyful work at Living Word Baptist Church, concentrating on the Nursery Department as long as she was able, and "Logistics Manager" of the kitchen, in Sunday School and with Senior Adult activities.
Ruth served as nursery director in each church.
For many years, starting at age 70, she traveled to Moldova and Romania with International Gospel Mission. She delighted the children there as she wore the Tony the Tiger suit during Bible lessons.
Until two years ago, Ruth loved filling hundreds of Christmas Shoe Boxes, storing them in her guest bedroom until time for distribution throughout the world.
For many years, she hosted the Singles Pot Luck Prayer Dinners in her home on Tuesday evenings. Faye Opperman and Hildegarde Funke were Prayer Warrior anchors of the group. When Debbie Funke became an Ordained Presbyterian USA Pastor, Ruth traveled each summer to her Montana church, to join in the Vacation Bible School Ministry.
Ruth was famous for her bell collection which numbered over two thousand, each one documented and memory-filled.
Ruth was a long time member and Past President of the Altrusa Club, served on the Board of Directors of the United Gospel Rescue Mission, and after her cancer surgeries in the early 1990s, served as a UCAN Board Member, and as hospice volunteer.
In the summer of 2016, Ruth sold her home, downsized (yes...even the bells), and moved to an apartment at Oakdale Assisted Living. She remained there until recent back surgery caused her move to the Oakdale Skilled Nursing facility. It was her intention to return to her apartment when physical therapy was completed.
Ruth is survived by her nephew Joe (Carol) Gray, Germantown, Tennessee. Her niece Cheryl (William) Ramsey, Ponca City, Oklahoma cousins Rosemary (Gerald) Smith, Cleta Loughlin and Jeannie Proffer, all of Poplar Bluff, by many great and great-great nieces and nephews, and by the many families and their children, for whom Ruth was "Aunt Ruth".
She was preceded in death by her parents, her infant brother Harlan, her infant sister Lois, her sister Glendora Gray Decker, her nephew Buddy Gray, and her cousins Don Hamm, Arnold Hamm, Margaret Scoggins and Carl Aud.
Ruth has specifically requested no flowers. Those who wish to do so may make memorial gifts to her church, perhaps for missions.
The visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 14 at Living Word Baptist Church. The funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 15 at Living Word Baptist Church with the Rev. Donny Emmons officiating. Burial will follow in the Wood Lawn section of the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.
Cotrell Funeral Service of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, is honored to serve the family of Ruth Evelyn Scoggins; please visit www.cotrellfuneralservice.com to share memories or to leave a condolence message.
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