Ruth Ann Branson

Ruth A. Branson, 82, of Bourbon, Missouri, passed away peacefully on a return trip from the Outer Banks, Sunday, June 20, 2021.

Ruth Ann Branson was born on October 27, 1938 in Saint James, Missouri, to Walter and Viola (Hamlin) Richters. She grew up and attended Forest Hill grade school, and later graduated from Bourbon High School, class of 1955. During high school and for some time after, Ruth was employed at the Bank of Bourbon. Ruth was united in marriage to Donald Branson on May 16, 1959, and to this union four children were born: Dale, David, Dawn and Debra. Together, they raised their family in Bourbon.

Earlier in her life, Ruth worked several different jobs in the Bourbon, Sullivan and Cuba areas, touching many lives along the way. After retiring from Paramount Apparel, she went to work as the church secretary for Calvary Baptist in Bourbon and held that position for over ten years. After their children were grown, Don & Ruth enjoyed traveling in the U.S. Ruth especially loved the Split Rock lighthouse in Minnesota.

Ruth was a very devoted mother and grandmother. She loved spending time with her family, especially during the holidays, when they would practice their holiday traditions. She was an excellent homemaker, cook and baker. Cobblers were her favorite. Through the years, Ruth could always be found supporting and watching her children and grandchildren during their sporting events and other activities they were involved in.

Ruth was the perfect example of a strong Christian woman. It was very evident in her faith, kindness, friendliness, and the way she loved others. Through the grace of her own heart, Ruth even taught adult literacy for some time. She gave the best hugs, and her arms were always open to anyone. Ruth will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by many.

Ruth is survived by her son, Dale Branson and wife, Penny, of Bourbon, MO; two daughters, Dawn Roberts and husband, Rich, of Bourbon, MO, & Debra Radford and husband, Shannon, of Bourbon, MO; twelve grandchildren: Brandi King and husband, Doug, of Bourbon, MO, Tiffany Payne and husband, Devon, of Bourbon, MO, Amber Kitchen and husband, Calvin, of Sullivan, MO, Alex Branson of Bourbon, MO, Haleigh McMeen and husband, Cody, of Bourbon, MO, Caleb Roberts of Bourbon, MO, Lyndsay Douglas of Union, MO, Lyssa Winkler and husband, Matt, of Sullivan, Martina Messex and husband, Ernest, of Bourbon, MO, Chris Radford of Bourbon, MO, Colbe Radford and fiancé, Alan Noltkamper, of Bourbon, MO, and Malachi Radford of Bourbon, MO; fourteen great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Dawson, Abbi, Percy, Andi, Parker, Everett, Coraline, Finn, Shelby, Phoenix, Elizabeth, Emma and Ashlyn; a brother, Walter Richters of AZ; and many nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Branson; one son, David Branson; her parents, Walter and Viola Richters; one brother, William Richters; and two sisters, Edith Burnett and Carole Bandy.

Memorial Services for Ruth were 2 p.m., Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Calvary Baptist Church in Bourbon, with Pastors Ed Carter and John Hanson officiating. Inurnment followed in Lea Cemetery – Leasburg.

Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, prior to the service at Calvary Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions in Ruth’s memory may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America and/or the National Kidney Foundation.

Online condolences may be shared with Ruth’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.