Barbara Dean Saulter

Barbara D. Saulter, 89, of Macon, MO, passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025 at the Macon Healthcare Center in Macon.

Barbara was born on February 5, 1936 in Kirksville, MO to Cleo and Helen Jones.

Barbara graduated High School and went to work at Banners Bakery, where she meet her first husband Ward Ambrosia. They were married for only a year, when Ward suffered a brain aneurism, and died. Barbara then meet Burney (Bill) Ruggles and had 4 children. Kevin Ruggles, Sheila (Ruggles) Wilcox, Brian Ruggles, and Shawn Ruggles. Barbara went to work at McGraws in Kirksville after her divorce from Bill. She meet Woodrow Saulter a few years later and they married and she gave birth to their son Woodrow (Woody) Saulter, Jr. They moved to Macon and Barbara transferred to McGraws in Macon. She worked at McGraw's until it was bought out by Toastmaster, and then worked for them until the business was sold. Barbara tried to enjoy her retirement but she could not just set at home and do nothing. So she got a part time job at Super 8, as their night auditor. Her part time job became a full time job. After several years they updated their computers and she decided it was more than she could do. By then her back had begun to get worse, So she turned her enjoyment to the Casino, where she went once a month. The Casino was something she truly enjoyed, she always limited herself to a small amount to lose. She could play all day on a hundred dollars and have so much fun doing so. When her dementia started to progress and she could no longer drive or look up to play the slots, she had to give up going. When her dementia worsened she moved into the nursing home. Her favorite game there was Bingo! Three days a week, she thought she was at the Casino, and winning every time.

Barbara loved to dance and call square dances. She danced right up to the day she passed. The residents at the nursing home enjoyed watching her dance whenever there was music.

Barbara Saulter is survived by her daughter Sheila (Bob) Wilcox of Macon, sons Shawn Ruggles of Macon and Woody (Alison) Saulter Jr of Las Vegas, NV. Brother Robert Jones of Indiana. Grandchildren J.C. (Kaylin) Wilcox of Springfield, MO, Rebecca Wilcox of Bolingbrook, IL, Brandon and Dillion Ruggles of Macon and Alica (David) Cole of Bevier, MO, Ashley, Alexandra and Abigail Saulter of Las Vegas, NV.,Great Grandchildren Marissa Wilcox of St. Charles, MO., Bridger and Brooks Ruggles, Jaxon and Ivy Klamet-Wheelan, Kinley Cole and Waylon Cole. Also several nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Cleo and Helen Jones, her twin sister Beverly Moore, her sister Gertrude Druce, her brother Bruce Jones, two sons Kevin and Brian Ruggles, two grandsons Adam and Matthew Ruggles and great granddaughter Mabel Ruggles and all of her husbands.

Barbara will be laid to rest in Refuge Cemetery northeast of Kirksville, MO

Graveside Services will be 11:00 am, Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the Refuge Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Refuge Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Hutton & McElwain Funeral Home in Macon, MO.