Ruth Irene Hawk

Ruth Irene Hawk, daughter of the late Bert E. and Agnes (Peterson) VanLoon, was born January 26, 1930 in Crocker, Missouri. She passed away at 9:02 a.m., Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital at the age of 80 years, 5 months and 25 days. Ruth grew up near Crocker. The biggest event in her childhood was at the age of 11 when Fort Leonard Wood was being built. She attended school in Crocker and graduated from Crocker High School in 1947. Ruth moved to Lebanon, Missouri and began working at the Lee Factory. She then began working at the Nifty Café and there she met the love of her life, Raymond Hawk. He was the manager of the Kroger Store in Lebanon and on December 21, 1949, Ruth and Ray were united in marriage in Waynesville, Missouri. They shared over 37 years of marriage and many wonderful memories. They were blessed with five children: Veronica, Dianne, Barbara, Dennis and Vicki. Ruth and Ray moved to Waynesville and he became produce manager at the local IGA Grocery Store. Ruth also worked there and as their daughters grew up, they worked there as well. Later on, Ruth began working as the head cook for the Waynesville Nursing Center and did so for 12 years. She retired in 1990. At an early age, Ruth made a very important decision in her life and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. She was baptized and was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Lebanon. In her spare time, Ruth enjoyed sewing and made beautiful clothes for the girls while they were growing up. She liked to crochet and read. Most importantly, she treasured those times that she could spend with her family and friends, especially the grandchildren. She will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved her. Ruth leaves to cherish her memory four daughters: Veronica Hayes (Chris), League City, TX, Dianne Baza (Frankie), Plato, Barbara Parker, Madison, AL, and Vicki Long (Bob), Dixon; two sisters: Margaret Schnoor, Moose Lake, MN; and Lottie Officer, Springfield; three grandchildren: Stephanie Washum, Heather Harris and Daniele Parker; four great grandchildren: Miles, Savannah and Tristan Washum and Lyric Harris; sister-in-law: Helen Hawk, Lebanon; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband: Ray (December 31, 1986) and her son: Dennis (August 26, 2005). Graveside services were held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, July 26, 2010 in the Lebanon Cemetery with Rev. Danny Graves officiating. Serving as escorts were family and friends. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ruth Hawk and may be left at the funeral home.

Ruth Irene Hawk

January 26, 1930 - July 21, 2010