Ruth Ann Marchbanks, 85, of Arnold died Oct. 28, 2023. Mrs. Marchbanks was a 1955 McKinley High School graduate. She was employed for several years at Brown Shoe Co. in St. Louis. She was the creator and director of Arnold Christian Daycare. She married her husband, Virgil, in 1956. Together, they started pastorship at United Pentecostal Church of Arnold (now Arnold Family Worship Center). She had strong faith. At the church, she was secretary, played the piano, organ and the accordion. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and visited Japan, Hong Kong, China, Belgium, Israel, Iran, Canada and many states in the U.S. Above all else, she was a homemaker and was well known for her home-cooked meals. She enjoyed spending time with her children.
Born Nov. 28, 1937, in St. Louis, she was the daughter of the late Mary and the Rev. Howard C. Roy Sr.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years: the Rev. Virgil Marchbanks; two sons: Donald (Carla) Marchbanks of Joplin and Thomas Marchbanks of Arnold; a daughter: Linda (Gary) Radford of Douglasville, Ga.; six siblings: Mary Lou Hern, Arlene Howell, Carolyn Joyce Cessna, Howard Roy Jr., Gloria Jean Gregory and Jack Roy; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; as well as many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by a grandson: Barry Light.
Services were held Nov. 4 at Kutis Funeral Home South County Chapel in St. Louis. Burial followed in Park Lawn Cemetery in St. Louis. Arrangements were under the direction of Kutis Funeral Home South County Chapel.