Ruth (Rozell) Mooney

Ruth (Rozell) Mooney, age 96, of Rogersville, Missouri, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Wednesday, June 11, 2014. Ruth was born around Protem, Missouri on January 30, 1918 to Press Wayne and Irene (Kissee) Rozell. At an early age her family moved to the Chadwick community where she grew up and attended school along with her siblings. Upon graduation from high school Ruth attended college at Missouri State Teachers College (now MSU), working towards a degree in education while also teaching in various one room schools in the Chadwick and Sparta area. On March 3, 1944 Ruth married Vurl Mooney. During their married life she and Vurl resided in the Rogersville area where they raised their two children and were long time members of the Center Point Church of Christ. While being a mother and homemaker Ruth's passion for teaching continued as she obtained her B.S. in Ed. from Drury College in 1961 while also holding a teaching position in the Rogersville School District. From there she retired in 1978 after teaching in the district 20 years. A little over a month after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary Vurl passed away on April 13, 1994. Ruth remained living in the family home until her death. Ruth was an optimistic individual who was very proud of her family, enjoying and appreciating their visits and care. She dearly loved hearing her favorite songs sung and stories read but most of all she enjoyed the conversations about her years in teaching as she would hear good things about families and friends that she knew through her years in education with many of these stories being provided by her children and grandchildren who followed in her footsteps as teachers. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her siblings--Lawrence, Don and Lon Rozell, Novella Tann and Helen Lowe. She is survived by her children and spouses--Joe and Linda Mooney and Ruth Ann and Chester Kite, seven grandchildren and their spouses-- Darby and Eric Dameron, Duffy and Susan Mooney, Derry and Dale Byrom, Deakin Mooney, Toby and Melissa Kite, Travis and Carie Kite, and Tina and Andrew White. Also surviving are fourteen great-grandchildren--Michal and Aaron Dameron, Jacob, Natalie and William Mooney, Declan Byrom, Lola Simmons, Mya Kite, Carley, Cailyn, Cooper and Colter Kite, and Coen and Cora White along with numerous nieces and nephews, close friends and loving caregivers. A funeral service will be held Friday, June 13, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark. Burial will follow in Roller Cemetery, Rogersville. Visitation will be Thursday, June 12, 2014 from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to Hospice-Palliative Care of Springfield or Omega Hospice who so lovingly provided support and care for Ruth as her health declined.