Ruth Elizabeth Hoover, daughter of David Bird and Seraph Elizabeth (Messenger) Stump, was born July 13, 1919 in Ochiltree County, Texas. She gained her angel wings October 10, 2018, at the age of 99.
Ruth was born on a farm five miles south of Farnsworth, TX. She attended elementary school in Farnsworth and graduated from Perryton, TX High School in 1937. Her college education began with one year at West Texas State College after which Ruth transferred to McPherson College, McPherson, KS where she graduated in 1941 with a liberal arts degree in English.
While attending McPherson College, Ruth met her future husband S.G. (Samuel) Hoover. They were married June 22, 1941 at the Waka Church of the Brethren where Ruth grew up. Ruth and S.G. made their lifetime home on a farm near Plattsburg, MO. Sixty years of farming included partnering with S.G's brother, Ira Milton Hoover, Ira's son, Mark and S.G.'s son, Stanley.
Together Ruth and S.G. enjoyed being with family. Christmas and birthdays were more about being together than about gifts. Alternative gifts were frequently gifts of money to Heifer International in the name of the family. They also traveled together many places.
Lots of interest made Ruth's life exciting. She enjoyed drawing and painting with oil and watercolors, also appreciated being with other artist in classes. She had a stamp collection, enjoyed sewing and most of all loved watching and identifying birds. She liked having flowers blooming all spring and summer. And then there was activities with her children- games, walks, cooking, sharing stories, music, and loving her grandchildren.
The Plattsburg community offered many opportunities for involvement. She served as 4-H leader, member of PTA, Reading Club, Prairie Cottage Extension Club, and the community chorus Easter cantata.
Ruth's greatest involvement was with the Church of the Brethren north of Plattsburg. It was there that as a Sunday school teacher, she helped the children of the congregation learn about Jesus. She was active in the women's association and she helped with music. Ruth and S.G. moved their membership to the Broadway United Methodist Church in Plattsburg when the Church of the Brethren closed. This move did not change her devotion to the church. She always enjoyed any kind of Bible study. Convinced that there was always more one could learn.
Six years after S.G.'s death in 2009, Ruth moved to Oakridge of Plattsburg where she lived the rest of her life.
She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Burt Kitzel; sisters, Maud Stump, Bertha Leicht, Nora Dennison, Viola Burger; and brother, Oliver Stump.
Those left to cherish her memories are daughter, Sandee Kitzel (Larry); sons, Stanley Hoover (Sue), George Hoover, David Hoover; and her other daughter, Sandy Belcher (Joe); 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Celebration of Life Service 2:00 P.M. Monday, Broadway United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. Monday, Broadway United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be given to Heifer International or Broadway United Methodist Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.baileycox.com.