Ruth Lucille (Bradford) Long (known as Ruthie by her dad), age 93, of Bois D' Arc went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. She was born October 22, 1928 in Polk County, Missouri to Adrian and Katherine (Ruyle) Bradford. Soon after high school graduation, Ruth went to work at King Furniture Company and was there until they closed their doors in 1955, then worked at the Springfield Garment Factory.

Ruth married Everett Long in a double wedding in 1950.

She dedicated her life to family and church.  In 1960 they purchased land and built their family home in Bois D'Arc where she raised three daughters, then eventually went on to provide primary child care for her two granddaughters.  She was a devoted wife and provided in-home respite care for Everett during the last years of his life. After his passing, Ruth continued to enjoy nurturing nieces and nephews during family visits and while participating in family functions.

An active member of Immanuel Baptist Church for 71 years, Ruth served in various ministries including Deacons Wives, peer Sunday School participation, and as a Vacation Bible school volunteer.  She also provided kitchen assistance for church events as well as for member needs.

Canning was a hobby Ruth enjoyed and she would routinely make extra canned items, as well as vegetables from the yearly garden available to family and friends. Ruth used her sewing skills to provide for her family, creating multiple "three Long-girl look alike outfits", home decorating, and gifting hand crafted items to relatives and friends. Ruth's making of "Aunt Ina's Rolls" holiday rolls was a tradition enjoyed by all family members.  She passed along the roll making skill to her granddaughters and the rolls are still enjoyed as a family holiday tradition.

In addition to her husband Everett, Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; an infant-born death, Maryon Lynn; sisters, Virginia Lawson and Mary Edna Engleking; half-brother Ford Bradford, half-sister Athelene Marling; and son-in-law Wayne Smith.Ruth is survived by three daughters and one son-in-law; Sharon Lawler, Jo Smith and Eunice Hucker and Joe Hucker.  Ruth is also survived by granddaughters Mishelle Lawler and Tayla Smith along with extended grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

One of Ruth's hobbies was collecting salt and pepper shakers. Through the years many family members and friends contributed to her collection. As a remembrance of Ruth, please take a set of salt and pepper shakers with you as you leave today.

The family has requested memorial contributions may be made in Ruth's name to Immanuel Baptist Church, (West Nichols Street) Springfield, MO or Integrity Hospice of Springfield.

The family wishes to thank, Leslie Daugherty from ACCESS and the staff of Integrity Hospice for their loving care of Ruth.