The Richmond News, Oct. 17, 2025

Mary Acree

Mary Ruth Acree, 92, of Richmond passed away Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at Ray County Hospital and Healthcare in Richmond. Mary Ruth was born Aug. 8, 1933, in Orrick, the daughter of Roy and Martha (Carter) Merriman. She was first united in marriage to Eugene Roe of Orrick. They later divorced. She was then united in marriage to Curtis Ray Proffitt of Richmond on April 13, 1962. He preceded her in death on March 19, 2014. She also was married to Henry Acree of Richmond. Additional survivors include her three daughters, Brenda (Bubby) Blyth of Orrick, Lisa (Larry) Nelson of Richmond and Lori Millsap (Brad Davis) of Richmond. She also is survived by nine grandchildren: Kody (Megan) Reed, Baley Reed, Tabitha (Steve) Hess, Jedediah (Jenny) Blyth, Sabin (Scott) Millsap, Brogan (Scott) McKown, Korbin (James) Kirkendoll, Braxton James and Easton James. Eleven great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren survive as well.

In addition to her parents and second husband, Mary Ruth was preceded in death by her son, Daniel Roe; two brothers, Pete Merriman and Eugene Merriman; and son-inlaw, Christopher Wayne Reed.

Mary Ruth was raised and educated in Orrick, where she was a cheerleader and was crowned homecoming queen with the class of 1951.

After graduation, she worked for a prosecuting attorney in Kansas City and later for a judge in Liberty. She also owned and operated a Western store in Richmond.

Mary Ruth was a devoted and hardworking farm wife who could do anything a man could do and often did. She was deeply involved in her community and in the Democratic Party, where she served as disaster chairman for Ray County, president of the Woman’s Democratic Club and as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. In addition, she was active in the 6th District Woman’s Democratic Club.

One of her proudest honors was being among just 13 people personally invited by President Carter to attend Missouri Days. During that time, she met with Vice President Walter Mondale to discuss agriculture in Missouri and later joined Sen. Thomas England in giving him a tour of area farms.

Mary Ruth was a close friend of Jerry Litton and an active member of his club. When she wasn’t working or serving her community, she enjoyed fishing, playing slot games and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. Mary Ruth never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Miss Ray County Scholarship Pageant. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with memorial services will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and services to follow at 2. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Please share your memories of Mary Ruth with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome. com.