Ruth Douglas

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Ruth Mae Douglas, age 87, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 in Lee's Summit, MO. She was born in Wyandotte, OK on December 20, 1935. She graduated from Joplin High School in 1954. 

Shortly after, she married the love of her life, Jerry Douglas on November 24, 1954. Together they had three daughters; Christie, Lesa and Jamie.

Ruth was a lifelong member of Empire Baptist Church of Joplin, MO. She served as a youth leader, Sunday school teacher and one of the most fun camp counselors at Baptist Hill. She opened her heart to young adults from all walks of life. Leading them to Christ was very important to her. Ruth owned and operated Party World for 27 years. She made herself available for anyone in need. Every customer knew as they walked through the door they were her priority in that moment.

She enjoyed being with family most of all. She delighted in cooking our favorite foods such as pumpkin pie and potato salad when we came to visit. She always made sure we had two of the finest delicacies; Fred & Red's and Dude's maple bars. One of her greatest joys was being a mother and a nana. She enjoyed being silly and her home was filled with laughter and love. Ruth cherished many lifelong friendships and held them near and dear to her heart.

Ruth may have left this earth, but she will live eternally in heaven until we meet again. Ruth was welcomed in heaven by her Lord and Savior, her parents, Oren and Callie Lankford, her two sisters, Annabelle Douglas and Mary Jane Smith, her grandson, Josh Jordan, and her husband, Jerry Douglas.

Surviving family members are: her sister, Joyce Krutsinger of Springfield, MO, three daughters, Christie Douglas of Seneca, MO, Lesa Holland of Lee's Summit and husband Bob Holland, Jamie Stipp of Shreveport, LA and husband Dan Stipp, six grandchildren, Abbey Beale, Callie Lankford and husband Aubrey Lankford, Addie Stipp, Micah Stipp and Wil Stipp, five great grandchildren, Jordan Johnson, Jager Johnson, Lily Rose, Grace Lankford and Bella Lankford.

The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church in Joplin, MO on Saturday, February 4th from 9 am - 10 am. Service will follow beginning at 10 am with Pastor Mike Snider officiating. Graveside services will be attended by the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kansas City Hospice House in care of Mason Woodard Mortuary.