Ruth Laura (DeShazo) Sims

Ruth Laura (DeShazo) Sims, 96, of El Dorado Springs, passed away on Jan. 28, 2009, at Community Springs Healthcare. She was born March 3, 1912, in St. Clair County to Frank E. and Bessie E. DeShazo.

Ruth grew up in St. Clair County the eldest of nine children. She was united in marriage to Johnnie Ray Sims, on Oct. 1, 1932. To this union one daughter, Esther Ann, was born.

Saved as a young woman, Ruth was a devoted member of Brush Creek Missionary Baptist Church and then in later years moved her membership to El Dorado Springs Missionary Baptist Church. Ruth loved playing the piano and singing hymns with her strong alto voice.

Ruth had a strong love for her family, helping to rear her grandchildren and later providing babysitting for her great-grandchildren. She spent many summers working her garden, raising vegetables for canning and growing beautiful flowers. She kept her yard and home as neat as a pin. She loved crossword puzzles, scrabble, and reading, especially her Bible.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband John; her daughter Esther (Sims) Floyd; her parents, Frank and Bessie DeShazo; and siblings, Roy DeShazo, Sarah DeShazo, Eurnice (DeShazo) Good, and an infant brother.

Surviving are two grandchildren, Sandy (Floyd) Cary and husband Carlos, of El Dorado Springs, and Bryan Floyd and wife Barbara, of Joplin; three great-grandchildren, Casey Cary, of St. Louis, Becky (Floyd) Johnson and husband Jared, of Webb City, and Brent Floyd, of Joplin; and two great-great-grandsons, Jeremiah and Josiah Johnson, of Webb City. Other survivors include Ruth's siblings, Don DeSazo and his wife Iris, of Collins, John DeShazo, of Springfield, Frank DeShazo and wife Melba, and Ruby (DeShazo) Kennon, all of El Dorado Springs; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, a host of friends ,and her church family.

Services for Ruth Sims are being held today, at 2 p.m., at the El Dorado Springs Missionary Baptist Church with visitation prior to service. Bro. Ralph Benham will be officiating and music is provided by Anna Lee Barker and Eleanor Johns. Interment will follow in the El Dorado Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. Casket bearers are Ruth's grandsons and brothers: Bryan Floyd, Brent Floyd, Jared Johnson, and Carlos Cary, Don DeShazo, Frank DeShazo, and John Mark DeShazo.