Mrs. Ruth Murff

Ruth Murff was born on October 14, 1929, in Wynne, Arkansas. She was one of seven children born to the union of James Harris and Jennie V. (Harris) Jones. She spent her youth in Wynne, before moving to Kansas City, Missouri with her husband Arthur to build a family of their own. Ruth professed Christ at an early age and was a former member of Second Baptist Church, in Kansas City, Missouri, under the leadership of the late Reverend E.E. Chappelle. Ruth’s love language was cooking and she was an absolute natural at it! Her love for cooking began as a child, while frying her famous fish at her Aunt Mollie’s diner, in the heart of Wynne. It continued far into adulthood and remained all throughout her life. Whether it was Sunday dinner, at holiday gatherings, or simply because someone was hungry, the one ingredient that you could taste in every single one of her dishes was LOVE. Delicious, home cooked meals were her way of saying “I Love You.” However, it wasn’t just her family that she shared this love with, it was church members, neighbors, and anyone who crossed over the threshold of her front door. Ruth’s passion for cooking was not just about the meal itself, but rather how it allowed her to provide for others. She was a giver at heart and spent most of her life caring for people, so her role as a caregiver was a natural fit. Ruth was a longtime, faithful employee at Holmesdale Nursing Facility, for nearly thirty years, where she served as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She was affectionately referred to as ‘Mama Ruth’ by both the staff and her patients, because of the motherly tenderness and tough love that they benefited from. She managed to do all of this while maintaining her home as a dutiful wife, present mother and doting grandmother. Ruth loved her family to no limits and was fiercely protective of them, especially children. She could often be heard telling them to call her if anyone gave them problems and she genuinely meant it. She had a personality that would warm hearts and a sense of humor that would literally make you laugh out loud. She had many gifts and honored God by doing for people who could provide her with nothing in return, except the joy of fulfilling her purpose in life. She did so until God called her home to rest early Sunday morning, on December 15, 2024. While she did not know the hour of her final retirement, she was adamant about being on time, stating “I’ll meet you in Heaven and I won’t be late.” Our beloved matriarch was a loyal and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her children: Helen Stewart (Jim), Dr. Arlenda Vieger, Mollie Lyons, Jimmy Murff (Demetria), Christy Moody (Rev. Dr. Terrence Moody), and Brenda Roach; Grandchildren: Deborah Murff, Anthony Couser, Terrell Couser, Diana Wilkins (6th Daughter), Kevin Couser, Dr. Shante Lyons, Christian Moody, Whitney Murff, Melissa Brown, William Smith, Arthur Murff, III, Darius Murff, Desmond Murff (3rd Son), and Tanisha McAfee; and a host of Great Grandchildren, Great-Great Grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. She was preceded her in death by her husband of thirty-two years, Arthur Murff, Sr.; son, Arthur Murff, Jr.; grandson, Donald Wilkins; sisters, Mildred White and Willie Mae Scott; parents. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday December 28, 2024, at 11:00 at Gethsemane New Testament Church 3800 East 73rd Street KCMO 64132. Interment: Blue Ridge Cemetery. Visitation: 10-11:00 a.m. at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolence may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com

Mrs. Ruth Murff

October 14, 1929 - December 15, 2024