Ruth Louise Shockley

Ruth Louise Shockley, daughter of the late Irvin Abraham Ware and Evelyn Louise (Banister) Ware, was born June 11, 1938 in Lincoln, Illinois. Ruth graduated from the eighth grade while growing up there. Her family moved to Atlanta, Illinois where she completed her education graduating from Atlanta High School Class with the class of 56. Ruth strived to be a straight A student during her school years and throughout high school. She also wanted to reach her goal for that perfect attendance award, unfortunately Ruth had to have her appendix removed during her senior year missed some days.
Ruth met her first husband, Huey Mandrell, in school. The couple eloped Christmas Day in 1955. Huey enlisted into the Army and the couple moved to Fort Leonard Wood, MO for a time, later moving to Fort. Cambell, KY, Fort Polk, LA, Fort Ord, CA, and even spent time in Germany, before settling in Hawkeye, MO in 1978, until Huey's passing on March 27, 1995. Ruth felt led to move and chose the tight nit community of Richland, MO as her new home in 2004; it was there Ruth met Richard Shockley who also volunteered at the Senior Center. Ruth and Richard just hit it off immediately and married on August 16, 2006. Ruth truly believed God had intervened in Ruth's decision to move, and marriage to Richard.
When Ruth's first husband served overseas, Ruth not only worked within the home but also went to work outside the home as a housekeeper at the Lincoln IL, hospital. She later was a cook at a truck stop in McLean, IL, and even a clerk for the old Sears and Robuck for a couple of years just to help out financially with the needs of her precious family. However, Ruth's heart and soul went into taking care of her family. She always took time to teach her children about the Lord, taking them to church and instilling good moral values that would carry them throughout their lives. Ruth wanted her children to have a firm foundation.
Ruth loved the Lord. She was saved at age 12, while attending church in the Free Methodist Church in Lincoln, IL. She became a beloved member of Grace Baptist Church in Richland, MO, in 2004. Ruth always greeted everyone with a cheerful attitude and her sweet smile. She loved everyone and was loved by all. Ruth loved singing in church and in her younger years enjoyed helping with VBS and teaching Sunday School.
Ruth's hobbies throughout her life included knitting, making quilts, reading, listening to gospel music and the "old country songs," and painting.
Ruth peacefully left the cares of this world behind on the morning of January 21, 2025, while in the Richland Care Center, having attained the age of 86.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, husband's Huey (1995) and Richard (2006); one infant brother, one sister, Phyllis Miller, and her husband, David, one step-daughter, Paula Shockley Adkison. Ruth leaves behind to cherish her memory 3 children: Warren Mandrell (Peggy) of Oxford, OH, Janine Mandrell of St. Robert, MO, and Shawn Mandrell (Kim) of Conway, MO; 5 grandchildren: Dr. Heather Mandrell (Dr. Tim Richmond) of Oxford, OH, Nathan Mandrell of Oxford, OH, Adam Mandrell of Oxford, OH, Daniel Mandrell (Kearstun) of Lebanon, MO, and Jessie Mandrell (Cody Whispell) of Springfield, MO; 2 great grandchildren: Feliciti Mandrell and Mavis Mandrell; two brothers, Charles Ware, and Boyd Ware both of Centralia, MO; 4 step-children: Donna Nye (Ronnie) of Floresville, TX, Tom Shockley (Sue) of Broken Arrow, OK, Jim Shockley (Mary) of Crocker, MO, and Susie of Waynesville, MO; 15 step-grandchildren; 22 step-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Ruth has gone through a lot in her life but with the Lord by her side, she drew from HIS strength, letting nothing keep her downhearted. She will always be remembered for her sweet spirit, cheerful attitude, and beautiful smile.
Services were held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, January 24, 2025, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor Tre` Shaw officiating. Becky Lercher sang beloved hymns, "In The Garden," "Precious Memories," and "Lord I'm Coming Home." Barry Oursbourn, David Henderson, Doug Scott, Gary Henson, Jimmy Smith, and John Pruitt served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers included Norman Smith, Charlie Wiggins, and Tre` Shaw. Burial followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland.
Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ruth Louise Shockley and may be left at the funeral home.