Bob Ruth Passes Away, Father to Robbie

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Robert W. 'Bob' Ruth

Robert W. 'Bob' Ruth, 90, of Warrensburg passed away Monday, May 28, 2012 at the Western Missouri Medical Center after a short illness. Bob was born Jan.30, 1922 in Shenandoah, Iowa, the son of George Forest and Ruth Stevesson Ruth. On Sept. 1, 1946 he married Phyllis Elanie Barton Tallman in Shenandoah, Iowa. She preceded him in death on July 21, 2010 after 63 years of marriage. Bob graduated in 1940 from Shenandoah Iowa High School. He worked for Brown's Shoe Fit Company during high school and after serving in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1946 in World War II. He moved to Warrensburg in 1949 and owned and operated Brown's Shoe Fit Company for 33 years from 1949 to his retirement in 1982. Bob was a member of the Warrensburg First United Methodist Church and was active in many aspects of the church. He was a founding member of the Warrensburg Kiwanis Club. He was a former member of the Warrensburg School Board, a big supporter of UCM athletics and activities, and involved with many activities within the Warrensburg community. Bob is survived by one daughter, Rebecca Jo LaDuke and husband Jim of McPherson Kan., one son, Robert Barton Ruth and wife Susan of Colleyville, Texas, one brother, Russell Ruth of Lee's Summit, also five grandchildren, Amy, Scott LaDuke and wife Christy, Angie Ruth Buster and husband Alfred, Shelly Ruth Hunter and husband Phillip, Daniel Robert Ruth and wife Amber, eleven great-grandchildren, Lauren, Sydnie, and Brett LaDuke, Atley, Avery, Canon, and Champ Hunter, Brenley and Brooklyn Buster, Hudson and Hampton Ruth. Bob was preceded by his parents and a brother, Richard Ruth. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 1 p.m. at the Warrensburg First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Louie Lowe officiating. Interment will be private at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Mo., with full military honors provided by the U.S. Navy and American Legion Post 131 and Warrensburg V.F.W. Post 2513. The family will receive friends Wednesday May, 30, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg. Pallbearers will be Amy and Scott LaDuke, Angie Ruth and Alfred Buster, Shelly Ruth and Phillip Hunter, Daniel Robert Ruth. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Warrensburg First United Methodist Church or the UCM Baseball Program and may be left in care of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren, 617 N. Maguire, Warrensburg, MO 64093. Bob was part of the America's greatest generation.  Our condolences to the family from the class of 73. Mr. Ruth was a very respected man in Warrensburg and a role model.