Ruth George

Ruth Lee George, 77, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend, was welcomed into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 4, 2014.

George was born on October 9, 1936, to Woodrow Wilson and Norma Eastwood Snider in Puxico, Missouri.

George attended elementary school and high school in Puxico. While in high school, she followed the basketball and volleyball teams of the 1950s and was a cheerleader for the basketball team.

George was also known for her beautiful soprano voice and was a member of the Glee Club where she was a featured soloist. She was recognized multiple times for her vocal talents, winning the right to go to the State Music Competitions for all four years of high school where she and the ensembles in which she participated received highest honors.

Upon her graduation for Southeast Missouri State University in 1958 with a double-major in music and business, George worked at St. Mary High School in St. Mary, Missouri and Puxico Public Schools, where she served as both the music and the business teacher.

After completing her Master's of Arts in Guidance and Counseling in 1973, George served Puxico High School for over 10 years as the guidance counselor.

She taught countless students how to square dance as she, herself, was an accomplished square dancer who loved to dance at the Puxico Homecoming.

George was most proud of the fact that she assisted multiple students in obtaining scholarships to college or vocational schools where they could further their own education. She retired from teaching in 1991.

George married Vernon Leroy "Bud" Brockmeier on April 3, 1960, who preceded her in death in 1969. She married Robert Wilburn "Bob" George, who survives of the home, on Nov. 11, 1978.

George urged both her husbands to obtain their lives' ambitions, first encouraging Bud to complete his teaching degree, then encouraging Bob to complete his degree as a medical doctor.

While living in Puxico, George was a member of the Puxico United Methodist Church, where she served as a musician and the director of the choir for over 50 years. She was also the president of the Puxico United Methodist Women, a devoted Sunday school teacher and organizer of many Vacation Bible Schools.

After moving to Cape Girardeau in 1996, George attended RCIA and became a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. She served as secretary, then president of the Catholic Women's Council.

Survivors include: three children, Ruth Ann and Kevin Brockmeier Orr of Cape Girardeau, John and Cyndi Brockmeier of Arnold, Missouri, and Mari George McKnight of Atlanta; six grandchildren, Heath Orr, Meghan and Cory Orr Anderson of Cape Girardeau, Elizabeth Orr of Cape Girardeau, Trey Brockmeier of Springfield, Missouri, Katie Brockmeier of Arnold and Savannah McKnight of Atlanta; and one great-grandson, Aiden Galloway Anderson of Cape Girardeau.

George is also survived by three sisters-in-law and numerous nephews, nieces, and grandnephews and -nieces who she considered to be equal to sisters and children of her own.

George was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Jo Ann Snider Shelton, and brothers Fred Louis Snider and Woodrow Wilson Snider Jr.

George was a member of the Missouri State Teachers' Association, the St. Vincent's Catholic Women's Council, the Puhicah Club, and the Women's Auxiliary of the Puxico Veterans of Foreign Wars. She was honored by both the Puxico R-8 School District and the Southeast Missouri State Teachers' Association as an Educator of the Year.

She was also honored by the Puxico First United Methodist Church upon completing her 50th year as pianist and choir director of the church.

George was an obedient and devoted follower of her Lord, Jesus Christ, and is remembered by those who knew her as a strong prayer warrior. She unselfishly shared her musical talents with those in the community of Puxico if asked.

Through example, George led her family members to receive Christ and encouraged them to become active members of their own church families in their chosen communities.

There is no doubt by those who knew George, upon her passing to her new life, she was warmly embraced by the family she so dearly loved and immediately heard the words she longed to hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Monday at Ford & Sons Mount Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau with parish prayers at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau with the Rev. David Hulshof and the Rev. Oscar Lukefahr officiating.

Burial will be at Puxico City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Feed My Starving Children.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.