RUTH ELLEN EARLY

Ruth Ellen Early, 94, of Richmond, MO died on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.
Ruth was born on November 1, 1917 to Jesse and Maggie (Mason) Early of Hardin, MO.
Survivors include two brothers, Lloyd Early and Harold Early; sister, Vera Williams; and several nieces and nephews. Ruth was loved by all who knew her and will be deeply missed.
In addition to her parents Jesse and Maggie Early, Ruth was preceded in death by her stepmother, Lena (Temple) Early; two sisters, Grace and Ethel ; and one brother, Clarence Early.
Ruth was a graduate of Central High School in the Rockingham Community. She attend Huff Business College in Kansas City, MO. She was employed by Consumer's Coop Association in North Kansas City, MO. She left there to attend the University of Missouri. She became an employee of the Church of the Brethren home office in Elgin, Illinois where she served as regional representative for the western area in McPherson, Kansas. Moving to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Maryland, she became director of the refugee settlement program for several years. After opening a Church of the Brethren office on Capitol Hill, she served there for 20 years. Returning to classes at American University in Washington D.C., she earned a master's degree in psychology and counseling. Ruth became an Academic counselor, remaining there for 17 years. Retiring in 1985, she became a resident of Sebring, Florida for the next 15 years. Returning to her home state of Missouri, she has lived in the Kansas City area.
The family suggests memorial contributions to "On Earth Peace" Brethren Service Center at P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, Maryland, 21776 or the Church of Brethren General Board at 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, Illinois 60120.

It was Ruth's decision to donate her body to science. She will be honored with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 31, 2011 at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.