Ruth Shaffer

RUTH ELLEN SHAFFER Ruth Ellen Shaffer died February 11, 2010 at the age of eighty-nine years and eight months. Ruth was born June 24, 1920 in Elkhart, Indiana to John Walter Beggs and Chloe Simons Beggs. Surviving are her son, Johnny Shaffer and wife Vicki of Linn Creek, Missouri; daughter, Patti Bateman of Camdenton, Missouri; grandchildren; Scott Shaffer and wife Dixie of St. James, Missouri, Tammy Wallace and husband Jonathan of Lake Oswego, Oregon, Jonnie Scobel and husband Peter of Bear, Delaware, and Leslie Avila and husband Luis of Glendora, California; nine great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and one brother Harry Beggs and wife Paulette of Elkhart, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George; one daughter, Mickie Shaffer; son-in-law, Roger Bateman; one sister, Helen Bollenbacher; two brothers, John Beggs and Charles Beggs; and one infant granddaughter, Ruthanna Shaffer. Ruth was married to George Shaffer in Elkhart, Indiana in 1936, where they gave birth to their three children. In 1946 Ruth and George moved their family to a small farm in Linn Creek, Missouri. Though life in Missouri was difficult and poor back then, Ruth fell in love with the Linn Creek valley and wrote several beautiful songs, including a family favorite "Evening in the Ozarks", about the area. She would at times call the family outside to smell the fragrant evening valley air. Ruth loved music. She played the piano by ear and would often sing and rock the children in the evening. George would also help rock the children and play the harmonica. She was an excellent cook and homemaker. Neighbors traveling by on the gravel road often commented about her sparkling windows on their small humble house. She and George cared for the farm and he also helped farm for Lena Hall during those early days. In 1955 Ruth was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and dedicated her life to serving her God Jehovah. She dearly loved sharing her faith and Bible knowledge with others, and conducted many Bible studies with her neighbors. In fact, up until her final days of prolonged sickness, Ruth received her greatest joy from sharing her hope of the heavenly Kingdom under Jesus Christ and the coming paradise to earth. She spoke enthusiastically with her caregivers and anyone she met - as all who knew her were well aware. The family wishes to express appreciation to all of her caregivers over the years, and especially to the very loving and caring support and prayers of the congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses through the years. Services will be at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, West 54 and Road 54-74 at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 20, 2010. Visitation will be from 12:00 until 1:00 p.m. in the church.