Alma “Ruth” Patterson, 85, of Festus, formerly of Wayne County, died March 22, 2017, at Mercy Hospital St. Louis in Creve Coeur. Ms. Patterson was trained as a teacher and also worked in nutrition services for nursing homes. She enjoyed quilting, crafting, fishing and watching Westerns and Cardinals baseball games. Born Aug. 2, 1931, in Wayne County, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Lillie “Belle” (Turnbough) Boyer.
She is survived by six children: Charles “Chuck” (Gwen) Morris of Fairfax, Roger (Sharon) Morris of Festus, Richard “Rick” (Susan) Patterson of Farmington, Joan Giudicy of De Soto, Renee Patterson of Crystal City and Patricia “Patti Belle” Patterson of Festus; 17 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; four brothers: Johnny (Mary Ellen) Boyer of St. Charles, Roy Boyer of Festus, Ed Boyer of Piedmont and Bob (Rhonda) Boyer of Piedmont; and three sisters: Alice Morris, Ione (Raymond) Morris and Peggy (Ted) Casey, all of Piedmont. She was preceded in death by one great-grandchild: Liam Julius; two brothers: Bill Boyer and Carl Boyer; and two sisters: Inez Boyer and Tessie Sutton.
Funeral services were held March 25 at Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont, officiated by Pastor Mike Allen. Burial was in the Duncan Cemetery near Piedmont. Arrangements were under the direction of Ruegg Funeral Home.