Ruth Marian (Hill) Thompson, 94, of Kirksville, Missouri, formerly of Worthington, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

The daughter of the late Marian and Dolly (Reynolds) Hill, she was born April 13, 1930 in Glenwood, MO. On May 18, 1947 in Queen City, MO, Ruth was united in marriage to Gerald L. Thompson of Worthington, who preceded her in death on February 6, 2009. She was also preceded in death by one sister, Dorothy Randall, one brother Harold Wayne Hill, and two sons-in-law, Bob McCartney and Larry Deierling.

Ruth is survived by three daughters, Brenda McCartney of Columbia, MO, Bonnie (Rick) Lee of Columbia, MO, and Barbara Deierling of Kirksville, MO; one son, Robert (Sheila) Thompson of Kirksville, MO; one sister, Anna Gillespie of Canton, MO, (formerly of Glenwood, MO), twelve grandchildren, Robin McCartney, Jennifer Bell, Ginger Presley (Kevin), Amber McCartney, Jason Lee (Teresa), Bryan Lee (Kelly), Phillip Deierling (Tammy), Tara Emerson (Eric), Michael Deierling, Daniel Thompson, Jessica Corder (Tyler) and Cory Thompson (Leslie); one foster grandchild, Sana Mohammed, thirty great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

Ruth attended the Watkins rural school and graduated from Lancaster High School. She later graduated from Kirksville School of Cosmetology, starting her own beauty shop in Worthington for several years. Ruth and Gerald ran other small businesses through the years including feed, grocery stores and a cattle farm for almost fifty years. She worked at the Kirksville Daily Express for ten years as a news wire clerk.

Ruth was an active member of Worthington Baptist Church, serving as the pianist for many years. An active member of the Worthington Garden Club, there were many town carnivals, fall game suppers and meals for weddings and funerals that she assisted with. She was a stalwart member of the community.

Ruth was the matriarch of the family and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren adored her. Whether it was family meals, hand crafted gifts, phone calls or a big smile, her family loved her and she loved her family like no other. She was a very special lady and will sorely be missed by all.

Public visitation will be held Friday, May 31, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. June 1, 2024 with Pastor Tim Ingle officiating. Eulogies will be given by Rick Lee and Phillip Deierling. Interment will follow the service at Pleasant Home Cemetery, west of Worthington.

Memorial donations in memory of Ruth may be made to the Polk County Christian School and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.