Iva Ruth (Cumpton) Campbell

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Iva Ruth (Cumpton) Campbell, 87, entered heaven on May 4, 2020, while a resident at Moore-Few Care Center (MFCC), Nevada, Mo. Ruth, one of 10 children, was born to Earl R. and Celia H. (Bryant) Cumpton at Aaron, Mo., on March 22, 1933. She accepted Christ at a young age and lived her life with devotion to her faith. She graduated from Ballard High School in 1951 and always enjoyed any occasion that took her back to her Ballard roots.

Ruth's brother, Kenneth, introduced her to the man she would marry, Gene Campbell. They started a new life together raising five children. Ruth was a much-loved sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved and protected her family, enjoying spending time with each one. Listen carefully and you will hear the rattle of the dice in a rousing game of Kismet. Ruth provided a safe, loving home for her family — money wasn't always plentiful, but her love knew no bounds. She worked tirelessly raising flowers, tending her vegetable garden, cooking, baking, making candy and those famous pies, jams, and jellies. You were special if she remembered your favorite treat.

Ruth worked several jobs throughout her life including the Rich Hill window factory, D&L Variety & Fabric Store, Matco, babysitting, operating Moreland's Café and baking and selling pies and cakes. We can't forget her famous sourdough bread she loved to bake for her many customers, especially during Rich Hill's annual Country Christmas. However, her dream job came to fruition when she became the cook for the Prairie Lake Duck Lodge, Papinville, Mo. For 25 years she spoiled members with her famous breakfasts and they in turn spoiled Ruthie. Her legacy of faith, family, love and devotion will leave shoes hard to fill. Words will never adequately describe our deep loss upon her passing. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Jill Spangler, DO; Heartland Hospice; and MFCC for their outstanding care and love extended to mother.

Survivors include her son, Jimmie (Kitty) Campbell, Butler, Mo.; daughters, Elaine (Steve) Engelhardt, Butler, Mo., Linda (Ricky) Jagels, Rockville, Mo., Tina (Bruce) Buckner and Eugenia (Greg) Brocka, Rich Hill, Mo.; special friend, Marvin McElwain, Lee's Summit, Mo.; family friend, Bob Schlyer, Rich Hill, Mo.; 15 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; a great-grandson due any day; sister, Bonnie Wilson of Vian, Okla.; sisters-in-law, Pat Cumpton and June Cumpton; and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and husband; infant sons, Stephen Ray and Russell Dale; brothers, Russell, Edgar, Raymond (Chester), and Kenneth; sisters, infant Alta, Waneta Morrow, Ruby Gonzales, and Fern Ackerley.

Services and interment under the direction of Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Methodist Church and McGennis Youth Center, both of Rich Hill, Mo., in care of the funeral home.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, May 8, at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Mo., with burial in the Greenlawn Cemetery in Rich Hill. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, May 7, at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel.