Ruth Haskins

Ruth Ann Haskins, 78, of Smithville, MO, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 20, 2025, after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ruth was born on May 26, 1946, to Robert William and Olive June Merriam in El Dorado, KS. Ruth grew up and attended school in El Dorado, graduating in 1964.

She was united in marriage to Richard Murray (1965-1993). They had two children, Kelli and Matthew, who they raised in Leavenworth, KS; Littleton, CO; Phoenix, AZ; and Tucson, AZ. Ruth was selected as Mrs. Arizona in 1980, garnering “Mrs. Photogenic” honors as well, and she placed in the top ten at the Mrs. America pageant in Las Vegas. She later married Ralph Haskins in 2001, and enjoyed many years together until his passing in 2023. Beginning in 1996, Ruth followed her daughter and son-in-law around the country (Texas, Kentucky, Virginia) to be daycare for their children. Ruth and Ralph returned to the Leavenworth/Kansas City area in 2007 and moved to Smithville in 2021.
Ruth was active with her church and loved to help with Vacation Bible School. She was a long-time Walmart employee and most recently worked at the Dollar General in Smithville. She loved to travel, especially to warm climates, and she never said no to a road-trip opportunity. She remained close with many of her high school friends and enjoyed planning and attending their reunions.

“Gwamma” Ruth, as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren, will be remembered for the truly genuine loving, generous, and caring heart she shared with everyone she met, along every step of her journey on this earth. She had a gift for remembering and acknowledging birthdays and special occasions, and enjoyed giving “December 1st” gifts to her loved ones (an occasion some believe she made up just to have another opportunity to give). For those who were blessed to have Ruth as a family member, co-worker, neighbor, or church member, she will be remembered as a dedicated and tireless worker, kind and generous friend, and a child of God with unshakable faith in our Creator and our Savior. Ruth’s first response to every difficult situation was an effort to comfort all around her by stating her faith that “all will be alright” or “everything will be okay”, as she was heard reminding loved ones – especially her grandchildren, many times during her final days in this life. When a wish for peace and quiet would understandably be the desire of most people in their final week of life, Ruth instead requested that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren be brought home for “one more party” together. The home was very loud over much of the Valentine’s Day weekend, and when all had returned to their homes in Arizona, Texas, Florida, and Colorado, Ruth’s comment when asked about the loud party was, “It was WONDERFUL!” What a special way for Ruth to one more time show her loved ones what it is she cherished most in this life, and demonstrate how to gracefully face and accept the inevitable.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Ralph.

She is survived by her children Kelli (Gordon) Harpe and Matthew Murray; her step-children Michael (Sue) Haskins and Robin Haskins; eight grandchildren Matthew (Cindy) Harpe, Rachael (John) Wolfner, Stephen (Brooke) Harpe, Christine Harpe, Lawrence Baldridge, Christopher (Kelli) Haskins, Samantha (Christopher) Ott and Max (Kate) Haskins; ten great-grandchildren; and her brother, John (Mary) Merriam.

The family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date.