Ann Royce

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Ann Rudisill Royce, age 90, passed away at Elfindale Manor, Springfield on February 27th surrounded by her family.

Ann was born November 4, 1932 in Long Prairie, Minnesota, the daughter of Aubrey and Cora Rudisill (Leary). After moving multiple times and attending a different high school in a different state every year of high school, the family settled in Hannibal, MO where she graduated in 1950. 

She attended Kansas City General Nursing School and received her Registered Nurse license in 1953. While in nursing school, she met the love of her life, Dr. Jack Royce, and they were married on April 4, 1954.

They moved to Noel, MO to start Dr. Royce’s medical practice and Ann worked in the office. In 1961, Ann, Jack and 4 children moved to Sarcoxie. A fifth child, Jill, was born in 1963. Ann was a stay at home Mom until 1968 when Royce Manor, a 36-bed nursing home in Sarcoxie, was built. Ann became the Administrator and also served as the Director of Nurses and Dietician.

In 1974, Ann decided she wanted to go back to school and get her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She attended night school at Drury College and graduated with a BSN degree in 1980. Royce Manor was sold in 1988 so Ann and Jack could travel more. Ann continued to work with Jack at the office until he retired in 1991. She then worked part-time for her daughter, Dr. Debbie, in her office. In 2014, at the age of 82, she finally gave up and retired.

Ann joined the Order of the Eastern Star in 1955. She served as Worthy Matron in 1958, District Deputy Grand Matron in 1964, Grand Representative of Nevada in 1968, Grand Representative of South Dakota in 1976, Grand Representative of Alabama in 1990, and Grand Electa in 2004.

Although she enjoyed the Order of the Eastern Star, her true love was for the International Order of Rainbow for Girls. She served as Mother Advisor of Faith Assembly in Sarcoxie from 1977 to 2013, was a member of the Grand Cross of Color and was appointed and installed as State Mother Advisor in 1998 which she served for 10 years.

Ann was a member of the Sarcoxie United Methodist Church for 60 years and served as President of the Board for 5 years. She was also a 50-year member of Chapter FZ, PEO. She was a former member of the Sarcoxie BPW and was named Woman of the year in 1976. In 1992, Ann and Jack were honored to reign over Chief Sarcoxie Days as Honorary Chief and Squaw. Ann served on the city council for 3 years and was awarded the Bill Dodson Citizen of the Year Award.

In 1991, Gladys Carroll wanted to start a Senior Center in Sarcoxie. She approached Jack and he agreed. That meant that Ann would become the cook for the monthly dinners to raise funds for the Senior Center. A short time later, Gladys became ill and died, so Jack and Ann recruited a number of other people in the community to complete the project. In 1994, the Senior Center was dedicated and opened and Jack passed away 6 days later. Ann served on the Senior Center Board and was in charge of the kitchen until 2017.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, 5 siblings and 2 grandsons, Tanner Royce and Conor Royce.

Survivors include her children: Dr. Debra Royce, Sarcoxie, James Richard (Rick) Royce (Maggie), Springfield, MO, Tim Royce (Laury), Tulsa, OK, Bob Royce (Judy), St. Louis, and Jill Tatum (Stacy), Columbia, MO, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Sarcoxie Senior Center or Tunnel to Towers in care of the funeral home.

Celebration Services will be held at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home on Friday, March 3 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Tom Shouse officiating. Burial will follow in the Sarcoxie Cemetery. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Kevin Guinn, Nick Johnson, Stacy Tatum, Tug Tandy, Brian Rhymer and Ink Reynolds. Eastern Star Service with visitation to follow will be Thursday evening from 6-8:00 pm. At the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.