Ruth Marie Wehrman Purviance was born on July 1, 1926 in Lexington, Missouri. Early in life she made the decision to be a Christ follower.
After high school she attended Asbury College where she met Jay Purviance, a seminary student. They were married in 1949 and served 13 years as missionaries in Brazil. Following that they pastored Methodist churches in northwest Missouri. Ruth will especially be remembered for her leadership in the United Methodist Women’s organization.
She is predeceased by her husband Jay, father Virgil, mother Eva, and sister Lois. She is survived by brother Richard, sons Steve (Sallee), Dan (Melanie), Dave (Charlotte), Tim, and Andy (Chris). There are also ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.
She was a dedicated mother and had a great influence on her children and grandchildren. Their retirement to Beaver Lake in Arkansas was a special delight for enjoying family and friends.
Ruth spent her last 20 years in Kansas City where she was a member of Gashland United Methodist Church. She will be missed by her family and friends but embraced by her Savior and those who have gone before her in the way of the Lord.
Ruth passed away at the age of 96 years on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 with her loving family by her side. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the Gashland United Methodist Church 7715 N. Oak Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64118. The Funeral service will commence at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the Higginsville City Cemetery 2275 Lipper Ave. Higginsville, MO. In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions are suggested to Gashland United Methodist Church. Memories of Ruth and condolences to the family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
Sorry to hear of Aunt Ruth’s passing. I have such good memories of the family’s trips north to visit (and help) Grandma and Grandpa in Harris, Iowa. I’m glad to know she had family close by when she passed.
I’ve enjoyed the last 16 years being in Church, bible studies and the pray shawl group with Ruth. She truly was a blessing to all of us! Grateful she was in our lives!
What a wonderful person she was. She brought so many ideas for the women’s group that we still participate in.
I love visiting with her and learning about her early life.
Now rest my friend.
Bev
My prayers are with all who loved Ruth, and were fortunate enough to be loved by her. She continues to share the love of God through her vibrant legacy.
It’s been an honor knowing and loving Ruth. We knit together and made prayer shawls! She loved my dogs as I brought them to her home and they cuddled with her in her chair for hours! My condolences to all of her family as she is definitely in heaven with God,
I did not mention in my earlier note how Ruth shared how thankful she was for her ever dedicated sons Tim and Steve after retirement Tim especially loved with her and I enjoyed getting to know him. Thanks for taking such good care of my friend.
My deepest sympathies to Ruth’s family. I have fond memories of Ruth at Gashland and enjoyed many Bible studies with her. What a long well-lived life she had.
Ruth’s son, Steve has spent many hours by her side the last several years, That’s quite a testament in itself. She raised some fine boys. I’m glad that my friend, Steve was there for her. . I wish all of her family well in their time of sorrow.
Please accept our condolences from our Huffman Memorial C family
My Aunt Ruth was a wonderful women. Their home was my home during my college years when my parents were in the Philippines. Uncle Jay, Aunt Ruth and our 5 boy cousins were family to me. She taught me a lot about cooking and housekeeping! She always had interesting ideas. Later in life I enjoyed calling her and having long talks and my husband and daughters and son have fond memories of her also! She will be greatly missed!
I’m so sorry to read of your dear mothers passing ! She will always be remembered as a very dear friend to me ! She touched the lives of everyone who knew her as did your dad! The 8 years that your dad and mom served Huffman Methodist church were the best years the church has ever had! May her memories be truly blessed !❤️
I just learned of Ruth’s passing. I am so thankful for her ministry alongside Jay and after his passing. I labored alongside them at First UMC, Carthage as associate pastor. They were and are an indelible influence on my walk with Christ even to this day. May God be praised for her faithful witness. And bless her sons and their families.