Willa “Ruth” (McKinzie) Franklin

Willa “Ruth” (McKinzie) Franklin was born October 15, 1947 in Warrensburg, Missouri and departed this life on February 4, 2022 at Lee’s Summit Medical Center in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, at the age of 74 years, 3 months and 20 days.

She was the daughter of Archie David and Willa Belle (Houts) McKinzie.

Ruth spent her younger years in Kingsville, Missouri, graduating from Kingsville High School in 1965. After graduation, Ruth obtained her beautician’s license, and she, along with her twin sister, Rae, owned and operated a beauty shop in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. After selling the beauty shop, Ruth worked for over 20 years in multiple care centers and nursing homes as a dietitian, retiring in 2010. For several years, Ruth served as manager and cook for Pleasant Hill Meals On Wheels.

In 1995, after raising her two sons, Dustin and Kristin in Kingsville, Missouri, Ruth relocated to Pleasant Hill, Missouri for a short while, before moving to Lee’s Summit, Missouri. In 2005, Ruth returned to Pleasant Hill to make her home.

In her spare time, Ruth enjoyed wood search puzzles, attending country music shows, visiting antique shops, and just sitting on her porch visiting with friends.

Ruth loved her family. One of her greatest joys in life was attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. She also loved traveling to North Carolina and Oklahoma to visit her siblings and, having them travel here to visit her.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Willa McKinzie; three sisters, her twin sister, Wilma “Rae” Duffey, Marilyn Swift and Arlene Gay.

She is survived by two sons, Dustin Franklin of Greenwood, Missouri and Kristin Franklin of Kingsville, Missouri; one brother, David McKinzie and wife Ruth of Pittsboro, North Carolina; two grandchildren, Bailey Fraccascia and husband Dakota of Harrisonville, Missouri and Willa Franklin as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

The family of Ruth Franklin will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 21, 2022 at the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill, Missouri. A Memorial Service will immediately follow, at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Kent Deubner officiating.

In memory of Ruth Franklin, contributions are suggested to Project Nic, a nonprofit that provides the opportunity for people to live out the love and justice of Jesus to orphans around the world. Contributions may be made online at www.project-nic.org or may be left at the funeral home.