Ruth Ann Leach

Ruth Ann Leach, 80, of Patterson, Missouri, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Ruth Ann was born June 5, 1945, to Dick and Opal (Vinson) Mell. Ruth Ann attended school in Patterson, Missouri, and later graduated from Clearwater R-1 School where she was a good student and enjoyed playing volleyball. She owned and operated the Patterson Beauty Shop in Patterson, Missouri, for a number of years with her sister, Iva Lee Mell. After retiring from the beauty shop, Ruth Ann dedicated herself to her home and family. She was an enthusiastic homemaker. She especially enjoyed cooking for her friends and family, and her baked goods, homemade rolls and chicken and dumplings were well known and beloved by family and friends alike. She also took great pride in her garden, a task she shared with her husband, Kenny. Ruth Ann was a member of the Patterson Methodist Church where she served as church secretary and sang in the choir. Ruth Ann met her husband, Kenny, when they were children. They married when she was 19 years old and that marriage continued to thrive for 61 years. During their early years, when Kenny was transferred to Germany by the Army, Ruth Ann, who had never flown or spoken any foreign language, followed her husband to the foreign land and lived with him there. Kenny and Ruth Ann were inseparable. You rarely saw one without the other. They enjoyed camping, travel and sightseeing and trips to the casino. Ruth Ann is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Kenny; one son, Tracy Leach, two granddaughters, one sister: Iva Lee Mell; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; sisters-in-law: Sonja Mell, Ernestine Waterholter, Vivian Mell, Jane Fox, Carole Leach, MaryAnn Westmoreland and husband Bob; and brother-in-law Bill Huff. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers: Robert Leach and wife Kathy, Richard Mell, Charles Mell, Bill Mell and sister: Ellen Huff. Ruth Ann added so much to the lives around her. Her passing leaves a great void, and she will be forever lovingly remembered. Visitation was held at 10:30 am, Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service followed at 12:00 noon, also in the Piedmont Chapel. Bro. Tim Bridges ministered to the family. Mark Huff, Mike Watkins, Scott Mell, Jeff Mell, Michael Irons, and Matt Young served as pallbearers. Dennis Kime, Randy Mell, Danny McAllister and Dean Mell served as honorary pallbearers. Burial was in Patterson Cemetery, Patterson, MO. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com