Ruth Viola (nee Stone) Dace
Viola (nee Stone) Dace was born on May 30, 1924 in Greenville, IL, Bond County to Harry F. Stone and (nee Willeford) Stone. She attended Terrapin Ridge Elementary School and was Valedictorian of her Eighth Grade Class. In 1937, the Stone family moved to Sullivan, Missouri where she attended Sullivan High School, graduating in 1942 as salutatorian of her class. She also attended Missouri Girls State in 1940 (1st year it was held). She attended Evanston Collegiate Institute (Kendall College) in Illinois and worked as a student recruiter under their work-study program in 1943 to 1945. In 1944, she married Stanley W. Dace USN of Sullivan, Missouri at Grace Methodist Church. Of this union, came their four children: Nancy Ellen, Cheryl Jean, Stanley Winston and Sarah Anne. Ruth worked as a linotype set operator and reporter for Carl Harmon of the Sullivan Sentinental and later as secretary for International Shoe Company. To make extra money, she learned to bake wedding/birthday cakes, selling them at the local market. She was instrumental in helping Schulte’s Bakery, upon their arrival to Sullivan, in coordinating their wedding/specialty cake services. She entered into the sales arena with Field Enterprises, Inc. selling World Book Encyclopedias, which lead to a to District Manager position for a four-county area. During her work with Field Enterprises she ventured to complete her degree in journalism/public relations. Her endeavor to acquire her associates degree was started with East Central Junior College. She subsequently received her BA degree with concentration in public relations and communications at Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri in 1978. Her love of education led her to interview for a position as the first Public Relations Director of East Central Junior College. She held this position for 17 years until her retirement in June of 1988. Her Retirement was short lived as she chose to embark in the real estate market and served in this capacity for several years. Her so-called retirement also included the following community activities: Member, American Legion Auxiliary, served as Child Welfare chairman, Community Service and Rehabilitation chairman, former president of local unit and former secretary of 9th District; Member Tri-County Business and Professional Women; Member Meramec Community Fair Board; Editor of Underhill DE682 news letter; Director, Sullivan Industrial Development Authority; Co-authored the History of Sullivan, Missouri and the Bank of Sullivan 1995, commissioned by Bank of Sullivan; Member, Grace United Methodist Church – served as counselor of senior high youth, teacher of adult couples class, chairman of Pastoral Relations committee, president of Women’s Society of Christian Service, Methodist Church Historian and Public Relations secretary. Former member of Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital Advisory Committee; Served on City of Sullivan Planning and Zoning Commission and the Meramec Community Fair Board; Member of Rebekah’s Lodge; Member of Friends of Harney Mansion Historical Society; Member of Missouri State Historical Society; Honors & Awards – BPW 1991 Woman of the Year; 1993 Ambassador Award, Sullivan Chamber of Commerce; 1999 Pioneer Award – Sullivan Chamber of Commerce.
She is survived by her children, Nancy (and husband Jim) Hardy; Cheryl Jones; Stanley (and wife Tina) Dace, Jr; Sarah (and husband David) McMullin; five grandchildren, Patrick Aaron (and wife Kelly) Hardy; Shelly Lynne McMullin; Laura (and husband Mark) Wallace; Cullen Dace; Jeffrey (and wife Rachel) Jones; Megan (and husband Travis) Hood; ten great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, family and friends.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Ruth Stone; husband, Stanley Winston Dace, Sr.; sisters, Carolyn Irene Coates and Polly Louise Lewis.
Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Grace United Methodist Church in Sullivan with interment in I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m., on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, MO and from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., on Wednesday, at Grace United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Grace United Methodist Church or ECC Foundation.
Friends may send condolences to the Dace family online at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan and Bourbon, MO.