Ruth Welker

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Ruth LaVerne Welker, 81, of Sikeston, formerly of Scott City, died Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at Sikeston Convalescent Center.

She was born Nov. 14, 1927, at Fornfelt, to Thomas Marshall and Eva Mae Davis Hensley. She and Robert Rudolph "Rudy" Welker were married Jan. 2, 1944, at Fornfelt. He died Dec. 27, 1978.

Welker was a member of Unity Baptist Church at Benton, Mo.

Survivors include a daughter, Stella Mae Riggs of Dallas, Texas; four brothers, James Hensley of Benton, Cliff Hensley of Centralia, Ill., John Hensley of Cape Girardeau, Toney Hensley of Benton; a sister, Rebecca Moore of Benton; three grandchildren, Kelly Howell, Rennie Riggs and Stephen Riggs; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Mary Lou Hensley and Anna Vincent.

Friends may call today from noon until time of service at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at the chapel, with the Rev. Dennis Lowe officiating. Burial will be in Lightner Memorial Cemetery at Scott City.