Ruth E. (Farmer) Reynolds

RUTH ELLEN (Farmer) REYNOLDS

Ruth Ellen (Farmer) Reynolds was born August 4, 1954 in Des Moines, Iowa and departed this life on October 12, 2023 at her home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, surrounded by the love of her family, at the age of 69 years, 2 months and 8 days.

She was the daughter of Cecil Edward and Helen Mae (Oringderff) Farmer.

Ruth spent her younger years in several different states across the country and attended several different schools.

In 1970, Ruth married and to this union two children were born. This marriage ended in divorce. As a single mother, Ruth worked several different jobs in order to support herself and her children.

On August 27, 1983, Ruth was united in marriage with Michael Anthony “Tony” Reynolds and they made their home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. During their marriage, Ruth and Tony added another daughter, as well as a bonus daughter to their family. The Reynolds family lived in Pleasant Hill until May 1, 2001 when Tony was called to be the minister of the First Christian Church of Appleton City, Missouri. Pastor Tony Reynolds passed away on June 2, 2022 and Ruth continued to live in Appleton City until May 14, 2023 when she moved back to Pleasant Hill.

Ruth was the epitome of selflessness. She devoted all her love, time and energy to help her husband, children and grandchildren accomplish their goals. Although she preferred to work in the background, she was instrumental in guiding, encouraging, and praying for them to achieve their dreams. When her family needed something, she made it happen. Ruth (Nanny) was the shoulder to lean on for every member of the family in their hardest moments. She would give anything to help. Whether the need was treats for a celebration, a last minute costume for a school performance, help with a project/craft, or just someone to be with you when you were facing something difficult – it didn’t matter how large or small the need. Nanny made all of her loved ones feel important and special.

Ruth had a strong and abiding faith in the Lord, and was a member of the First Christian Church of Appleton City, Missouri.

Ruth enjoyed crocheting, baking, and baked all the cakes for family birthdays and important occasions. She was also an avid Tony Orlando fan (which may or may not have garnered some good-natured teasing from those she loved). She enjoyed a good Lifetime movie, having beautiful nails, and was incredibly artistic. Ruth was a remarkable woman. Although she put everyone ahead of herself, her family hopes that she knew that she truly was the rock of the family. The world is a great deal darker without her here to light the way. While we are thrilled she has reunited with her beloved Tony (Papa), she will be forever missed by us all.

In addition to her husband, Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Helen Farmer.

She is survived by one son, Richard Nading and wife Robin of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; three daughters, Angela Hand and husband David of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, Nancy Laning and husband Cliff of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, and Jami Hendrix and husband Ryan of Adrian, Missouri; three brothers, Edward Farmer and wife Barb of Buckner, Missouri, Fred Farmer of Grain Valley, Missouri and George Farmer and wife Michelle of Holden, Missouri; thirteen grandchildren, D. J. McConville, Lezlea Hand, J. R. DeLong, Jacob Laning, Lucas Hand, Dakota Hand, Cody Sublett, Quentin Hand, Rielly Danuser, Ragan Hendrix, Jaden VanNatta, Nash Hendrix and Emylee Reynolds; great-grandchildren, Ava, R. J., Christian, Celeste, Emma, Silas, River, Theo, and Whitley with Ella and Lakeland both due in December 2023, other relatives and many friends.

The family of Ruth Ellen (Farmer) Reynolds will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon on Friday, October 20, 2023 at the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Funeral Service will immediately follow at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Joe Rodriguez officiating. Casket Bearers will be Lucas Hand, Dakota Hand, Quentin Hand, Jacob Laning, Rielly Danuser and Jaden VanNatta. Interment will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

The family suggests contributions “In Memory of Ruth E. Reynolds” to ProMedica Hospice, 4731 S. Cochise Drive, Suite #120, Independence, Missouri 64055, or may be left at the funeral home.