Ruth Ellen Crum, 88, of Richmond, died at 10:45 p.m on Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, at Riverbend Heights Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lexington.

Ruth was born on March 3, 1932, in Ray County to Marshall O. and Grace (Stroud) Simpson. She married Lowery Herbert Crum on Dec. 24, 1950.

She is survived by: her son, Kenton L. Crum of Richmond; two daughters and sons-in-law, Cherie and Dean Mason of Lexington and Melanie and Randall LaVene of Richmond; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Marshall and Ann Simpson of Richmond, and Wayne and Lynn Simpson of Bolivar.

Other survivors include: her brother-in-law, LeeWray Russell of Longview, Texas; seven grandchildren and their spouses: Travis and Angelia Jellum, Chad and Jennifer Jellum, Kristen and Adam Clouse, Katie and Brice Potter, Jeremy Mason, Melissa and Nathan Grant, and Ryley and Andrea LaVene; 15 great-grandchildren: Saige, Addyson, Nate, Hudson, Landen, Liem, Laken, Spencer, Jonathan, Max, Coraline, Shawn, Dylan, Ayden and Avery.

Three nephews and three nieces also survive.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her great-grandson, Laeten Potter; nephew, Jeffrey Simpson; two nieces, Christie Lynn Simpson and Mand Simpson; and sister-in-law, Louise Russell.

In Ruth’s earlier years, she worked at Ray-Carroll Grain Growers and Wollard Motor Co. in Richmond. From 1975 through 2007, Ruth worked in her son’s floral shop designing flowers. She was of the Christian faith. She lived most of her life in the Richmond area.

Ruth loved life and she loved her family and friends. She enjoyed bird and squirrel watching and feeding her hummingbirds in the summertime. She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, home decorating, and traveling; especially her trips to Europe and Arizona.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either Ray County Transportation Inc. or to the donor’s choice. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services took place on Saturday Oct. 24, 2020, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m., followed by services at 2. Burial was in Richmond Memory Gardens.

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