The Richmond News, Sept. 26, 2025

Ruby Daniel

Ruby Jean Daniel, 88, of Richmond passed away peacefully Sept. 16, 2025, at Raintree Village, a care center in Lee’s Summit. She was born Nov. 8, 1936, in Triplett, the daughter of William and Flossie (Folkes) Kohl. She graduated in 1954 as valedictorian from Hardin High School. She started full-time employment soon after.

In July 2025, Ruby retired after more than 68 years of dedicated service to the Missouri Department of Social Services, which honored her several times over her career as an administrative support assistant. She was beloved by her coworkers, and was known as the office mom and grandma, caring for and supporting all like her extended family. Her lifelong good health allowed her to donate time to the ShareLeave program to coworkers who needed additional paid time off.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, she was a devoted member of the Richmond Church of God and the Hardin Christian Church. Any time the church doors were open, she could be found making coffee, providing treats, serving as a leader and assisting wherever needed. As an essential part of her faith, she uplifted countless in prayer.

She was an expert baker, as those who ever tasted her apple pie or received a gift of her cookies or chocolate chip bars can attest. Love was her secret ingredient.

Among many service awards, she received the Missouri Older Worker of the Year in 2011 from the Department of Health and Senior Services, and received the Loyd Early Memorial Volunteer Appreciation Award for her frequent visits with Shirkey Nursing & Rehabilitation Center residents. Ruby also gave generously in support of dozens of charitable organizations.

A daily, disciplined walker, she delighted being outdoors. She also enjoyed growing flowers and solving word puzzles. Even though she did not vacation much, she enjoyed traveling with her sisters and looked forward to spending the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and three sisters, Gwen Gilbow, Ellen Boone and Lily Pauline Kohl in infancy.

Survivors include her son, Philip (Lori) Daniel of Lee’s Summit; and two grandchildren, Kevin Daniel of Lee’s Summit and Emily Daniel of Mission, Kan. Other survivors include her two brothers, William (Maxine) Kohl Jr. of Hardin and Justin “J.D.” (Vicki) Kohl of Richmond; and five sisters, Minnie Soutee of Higginsville, Rose Baker-Coffman (Kenny) of Wellsville, Kan., Bernice (David) Vermillion of Hardin, Bernette (Steve) Bremer of Sparta, Ill., and Helen (Terry) Seek of Lexington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Words simply cannot describe the impact she had on so many lives. Her lifelong example of love, kindness and generosity will long be remembered. She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to any organization the donor chooses or to the American Stroke Association. Acts of kindness to anyone in need would also honor her memory.

Visitation with funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 26, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., followed by the services at 11. Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens.

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