Ruth Ann Hash

Ruth Ann (Wilson) Hash passed away February 23, at the age of eighty-three, due to complications from Parkinson's Disease. She was at home in Lebanon; her husband, Bill, was by her side.
Ruth Ann was born on January 16, 1941, the third child of Glover Edwin Wilson and Katheryn Elizabeth (Young) Wilson. She was a lifelong resident of the state of Missouri. Ruth Ann was an enthusiastic traveler with Bill, friends and other family. She visited many places for business travel, but more enthusiastically for pleasure, experiencing Germany, Italy, England, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia as well as most of the United States.
Ruth Ann was known for her kindness, generosity, integrity and determination. Through many trials, she persevered and was an example of quiet strength. She was hard working and always supportive of her family and loved ones and was present in their lives in a meaningful way. Her energy, conversation and ready laugh enlivened daily life and any social gathering; she was known for hosting wonderful get-togethers and family holiday celebrations.
Ruth Ann attended Osceola High School, where she met Bill and they began their courtship as teens. They became engaged and both attended one year of classes at Central Missouri State University before marrying in 1959. Bill was drafted and entered the service while Ruth Ann achieved her undergraduate degree, with a minor in Math and a Business major after which she began her teaching career with a half-year at Osceola High School. She briefly worked for a trucking company in Kansas City, before beginning a tenure of seven years teaching in Knob Noster, Missouri, when she and Bill moved to Centerview, Missouri. While teaching, Ruth Ann also completed her courses and received a Masters Degree in Business Administration.
Bill and Ruth Ann moved to Lebanon, Missouri in 1969, when they determined to open Bill's Farm and Home which opened it's doors in 1970. For thirty-four years Ruth Ann and Bill worked side by side to run their successful business. Ruth Ann's business and financial acumen were a great asset to their partnership; as part of the business, she was active in Wheatbelt Inc. and served as Chairman of a national committee.
Ruth Ann cared deeply about her community and she and Bill found a spiritual home at First Christian Church of Lebanon where they were members for fifty-four years. She served in the Women's Circle, was a member of the Bell Choir and was an Elder on the Board at the church and her community service extended beyond. She was a past President of PEO, Lebanon Area Foundation and the Laclede Literary Council and served on the Hughes Foundation Board, and Lebanon Chamber of Commerce.
Ruth Ann was much loved and admired. She was preceded in death by her parents, Glover Edwin and Katheryn Elizabeth Young Wilson; sister, Mary Faye Wilson Garrett; and brother, Robert Gordon Wilson.
She is survived by her beloved husband, George William "Bill" Hash; one son, Brian Lee Hash and daughter-in-law, Shelly; grandchildren, Reilly Hash and Elias Hash (Mason Waterman); sister-in-law, Norma (Wilson) Calvert; brothers-in-law, Bob Hash (Diana) and Don Hash (Vicky); nephews and nieces, Wendell Wilson, Charlie Calvert (Kathy), Katherine Wilson Alpers (Robert), Sidonie Garrett, Carolyn Calvert Jett (Paul) Ed Powell, Jr., Debra Crone, Bobby Powell, Revera Wetteroff, Tara Navo, Don Hash, Sansy Hash, Paul Potter and Roger Potter; a host of great-nieces and great-nephews; very special family friend, Steven Ridenhour (Anita) and many dear friends,
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested in memory of Ruth Ann, to Gentry Cemetery fund. Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel's Colonial Chapel. PO Box 948, or 1001 N. Lynn Lebanon, Missouri 65536.
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