Ruth Frances Kirk, 95, of Columbus, died at 7:58 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022 at Medicalodge of Columbus following an illness.
Ruth was born August 28, 1927 in Montrose, Mo. She was one of nine children born to Benjamin John and Catherine Christina (Heimann) Swaters. They preceded her in death. Ruth was also preceded in death by her husband Kenneth May 6, 2014, four brothers, Maurice Swaters, Leroy Swaters, David Swaters and James Swaters and four sisters, Mary Hopfinger, Hildegarde Davies, Catherine Fenimore and Rose Margaret Daugherty.
Ruth graduated from high school in Montrose, Mo. Ruth and Kenneth Kirk were united in marriage November 28, 1946 at Montrose, Mo.
In 1965, Ruth and Kenneth, moved the family from Appleton City, Mo. to Columbus where Kenneth worked for P and M Mining Company. In 1966, they started H and K Camper Sales. Their son, Don continues to run the family business.
The Kirk family spent many weekends camping at the local strip pits and Grand Lake where fond memories were made. Ruth was known as an excellent cook. Faith, family and food are the foundation on which her large, loving family has been built. As a member of St. Rose Catholic Church, she served many years on the Altar Society. In her younger years, Ruth was an avid bowler and participated in a local bowling league.
Ruth is survived by her son, Don Kirk (Laura), of Columbus; three daughters, Mary Jane Simpson (Ronnie), of Columbus, Pat Daugherty (Carl), of Carl Junction, Mo. and Linda Atkinson (Don Pitts), Joplin, Mo. Eleven grandchildren, Julie Cassidy, Shelly Morgan, April Willis, Eric Atkinson, Jill Miller, Jamie Boschee, Nate Kirk, Luke Kirk, Mack Kirk, Geoff Pitts and Stephanie Lee; and 18 great grandchildren and a special friend and caregiver, Fern Henderson also survive.
Rosary prayer service will be at 6 p.m., Sunday, December 18 at Derfelt Funeral Home, in Columbus. The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m., at the funeral home.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, December 19 at St Rose of Lima Catholic Church, in Columbus. Burial will be in Park Cemetery, in Columbus.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either St Rose of Lima, or Big Brutus Museum in care of the funeral home.