Virginia "Ruth" (Ventress) Cline, 88, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Saturday (December 10, 2016) at her home.

Ruth was born February 17, 1928 in Godfrey, Illinois, the daughter of the late Robert and Ella (Ressler) Ventress. On April 28, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri, Ruth was united in marriage to Robert E. Cline who preceded her in death.

She was also preceded in death by one daughter, Sue Ann Newby-Steinblock on November 27, 2011 and one brother, Hugh Ventress.

Ruth is survived by two daughters, Alessandra Lior of LaFayette, CO and Dr. Lynn Shima and husband, Dr. Mark Shima of Kirksville, MO; two brothers, Gene Ventress of Lakehauasu, AZ and Robert Ventress of Phoenix, AZ; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and several nieces and nephews.

Ruth resided most of her life in Illinois, moving to Kirksville in 2013, to live with her daughter after the death of her husband. She was a homemaker and loving mother who enjoyed gardening, sewing, and cooking. Later in life Ruth became an accomplished painter, was a passionate bridge player for fifty-three years and while living in Texas in the 2000's placed 3rd in a state wide bridge tournament.

Ruth has been cremated and family will receive friends Monday, (December 19, 2015) from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville. Interment will take place at a later date at the Greenmont Cemetery in Quincy, IL.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Ruth Cline may be made to the First Christian Church. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.