RUTH WITHERS

Ruth Withers, 79, 221 N. Sunset, died Tuesday, June 17, 1997, in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Sept. 3, 1917, in Sikeston, daughter of Dr. E.W. and Mabel Shinn Harrelson. She and W.R. "Toad" Withers were married April 3, 1936, in Jonesboro, Ill. He died Oct. 25, 1982.

Withers received bachelor and master degrees from Southeast Missouri State University.

She was assistant to Dean Forrest H. Rose at Southeast University 16 years. She was the first woman manager of a radio station in Cape Girardeau County. She was part owner of KGMO Radio, owner/operator of Withers Communications, Withers Secretarial, and Mood Music of Missouri, retiring in 1992.

Withers conducted services at First Church of Christ, Scientist, more than 45 years. She was a member of Tuesday Club, Zonta Club, Excelsior Optimist Club, and Chamber of Commerce. She served on the committee which created the Regional Port Authority, and the airport committee responsible for renovating the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport.

Survivors include four sons, James Withers of Oklahoma City, Okla., Richard Withers of Cape Girardeau, Russell Withers Jr. of Mt. Vernon, Ill., William Withers of Mobile, Ala.; a daughter, Linda Janes of Pontiac, Mo.; two sisters, Helen Zeisler of Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., Mary Davidson of Chicago; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by two brothers.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel from 4-7 p.m. today.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the chapel, with Thomas O. Poyser officiating. Burial will be in Sikeston City Cemetery.