Ruth Buckhannon

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Ruth Allene Buckhannon, 94, passed away Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, with daughters Darla and Wilmajo at her side.

She was born Nov. 24, 1908, in St. Louis, daughter of Walter P. and Elizabeth Stausing Masters. Mrs. B. and William J. Buckhannon were married June 21, 1939. He preceded her in death April 9, 1967.

Mrs. B. graduated from Chaffee High School and attended Will Mayfield College in Marble Hill, Mo. She was the first female employed by First National Bank of Chaffee. She assisted in the organization of the Bank of Chaffee in 1931, becoming their first assistant cashier. She was a secretary at First Baptist Church of Chaffee 25 years, financial secretary 34 years, WMU director 12 years, and YWA leader four years.

Mrs. B. worked with Girl Scouts and Brownie Troops for a number of years. She also played the violin and taught piano. She was a member of Chaffee Business and Professional Women's Club, and was honored in 1984 as Woman of the Year.

She is survived by four daughters, Carolyn Louise and husband Bill Hawkins of Dothan, Ala., Ruth Ann Welborn of San Marcos, Texas, Darla D'Lizabeth Buckhannon and friend Richard Britain of Dallas, Texas, Wilmajo and husband Don Rutz of Chicago.

Also surviving are three grandchildren, Karin Hawkins of Indianapolis, Ind., Kristin and husband Terry Daugherty of Springboro, Ohio, Travis and wife Kelley Buckhannon Jones of Melbourne, Fla.; three great-grandchildren, Megan and Kari Daugherty of Springboro, Tyler Jones of Melbourne; a niece; and three nephews

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; a sister, Mardell Finney; and a stepson, Wayne J. Buckhannon.

Friends may call at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee after 4 p.m. Sunday.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church in Chaffee, with the Rev. Cliff Day officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau.

The family requests donations be made in memory of Mrs. B. to First Baptist Church Wheelchair Van Fund, 301 S. Third, Chaffee, Mo. 63740.