Ruth Louise Wright (August 31, 1928 – February 21, 2021) started from humble beginnings in the heartland and over the next 92-years lived through the Great Depression, supported the family farm during the Second World War, married her high school sweetheart, ran the family business, brought up three children, and doted on her five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Ruth was both the kindly grandma and the quick-witted matriarch who will be missed greatly by her family.
Ruth was the youngest of four children for John and Louise Steinmetz. She was born at the family farmhouse in Slater, Missouri known as “the homeplace”. In the final few years of her life, Ruth often retold stories of her childhood and her desire to return back to the homeplace in Missouri. One of her favorites was recounting the time her dad let her drive the family the car down the farm roads when she was only 14.
Ruth completed the family for her German immigrant parents who already had three children – Ardell (16), Hubert (12) and Roland (8). Being the baby of the family, she was the only one left to help her family run the farm after her sister married and her brothers went off to fight in World War II.
During her teens she juggled farm work and school work, though she made time to chat with her tall handsome Slater High School classmate, Roy Lee Wright. While they both were still high school students, Roy prepared to head off to war. The sweethearts decided to marry before he left and since she was too young to marry in Missouri (and much to her parent’s chagrin), they snuck off across the state border to Kansas to get married. Ruth and Roy were wed on September 18, 1945 and were married 58 years until Roy’s death on June 14, 2003.
Fortunately, Roy returned from war in 1948, and they began their life together. They moved to Independence Missouri in 1950 and started a family – Connie (1952), Teresa (1954), and Robert (1956-2013). Ruth raised her children while helping run the family business, Wright-Way Pest Control. She also enjoyed tending to her garden and canning fruits and vegetables.
In their retirement years, Ruth and Roy spent a lot of time caring for their grandchildren – Kathy, Kelly, William, Aaron and Kristen. Ruth indulged her grandkids’ special requests for their favorite snack at Grandma Wright’s house – milkshakes and mayonnaise sandwiches. They often held family meals at their home where the world’s best roast beef, mashed potatoes, and Parker House rolls were often being served. Ruth and Roy spent time at Lake Paradise in their Jayco trailer and enjoyed inviting the family over for swimming and picnics.
One of Ruth’s most treasured experiences was her trip to the small town of Etzel Germany where she was able to visit with her relatives. They spoke little English and Ruth and her American family members spoke no German but that did not deter family fun and comradery. It was told that the Plum Brandy and good food helped.
After a short battle with COVID-19, Ruth was called home and welcomed into the loving arms of her husband, parents, siblings, son Robert, and granddaughter Kathy. She passed peacefully and many of her family members were able to say goodbye through facetime calls or bedside visits. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Ruth Louise Wright will be planned once it is safe to gather once again. She was loved by many and will be missed. Her wish has been granted and her soul is now back home in Missouri. We say farewell to Ruth the way she often liked saying goodbye – See ya later alligator.
