Claretta L. “Katie” Ruoff

Claretta “Katie” Ruoff, 85, of Stewartsville, MO, passed away Monday, September 21, 2009 at her home.

She was born on January 30, 1924 to Anthony William and Florence (Vesper) Hanway. She grew up in St. Joseph and graduated from Pickett High School. Katie worked for Westab for eight years, and H.D. Lee in St. Joseph.

On September 10, 1949 she was united in marriage to Harold Robert “Bob” Ruoff, Sr. After their marriage they lived in Easton, Plattsburg, Gower and lastly Stewartsville where they made their home.

She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Easton, where she was past President of the Altar Society, and had a passion for all church activities. Katie loved gardening and flowers, and her angel collection.

Katie was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Geraldine DuRousseau.

She is survived by her husband, Bob, of the home; children, Roberta Ruoff, Marjorie “Margie” (Peter) Funk, Mary Jane (Mark) Celeslie, Anna (Jerry) Chamberlain, and Harold, Jr. “Hank” (Jana) Ruoff; ten grandchildren, Angela Wollenman and fiance Patrick Daniels, Melissa Wilmes and husband, Adam, Mark Kever, Keith Celeslie, Jill Celeslie and fiance, Chris Carson, Jack Celeslie, Danielle Ellsworth and Miranda Ellsworth, Tyler Ruoff, Kaitlyn Ruoff two great-grandchildren, Laney and Peyton Wilmes; sisters, Addie Miller and Alice Hanway; brothers, Bill Hanway and wife, Annabelle and Robert Hanway and wife, Beverly; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, Sept. 25^th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Easton.

Burial: Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Joseph.

Rosary: 6:30 p.m. Thursday with visitation following until 9:00 p.m. at the Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Gower.

Donations may be made to the Missouri School for the Deaf 505 E. 5th Street Fulton, MO 65251