Ruth Ann Maxey, 83, of Crocker, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Ruth was born July 18, 1943, in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, a daughter of Donald and Genevieve Atherton. Raised in a military family, she lived in several places, including Panama and Japan, before her family settled in Richland, Missouri.

Ruth was united in marriage on March 7, 1964, at Richland, Missouri, to Jack Edward Maxey. Together, they became a military family and lived in several places during Jack’s military career before settling in Hampton, Virginia, where they raised their family and attended North Hampton Church of Christ.

Ruth retired from the City of Newport News Waterworks. Then, she and Jack returned to Missouri and settled in Crocker, where they became members of Crocker Christian Church, and Ruth faithfully attended.

Ruth’s greatest joy was her family. She never forgot a birthday and traveled many miles to visit loved ones, attend sporting events, and share in their lives. She was known for her laugh, vibrant sense of humor, and ability to light up a room. She was also a wonderful cook. Ruth loved Jesus, the Atlanta Braves, baseball, Boston Terriers—especially Toby—HGTV, and Friday coffee with her younger sister and lifelong best friend, Janice. She enjoyed Scrabble and later became a devoted Wordle player.

Above all, Ruth’s faith was the foundation of her life. She loved the Lord deeply and lived out that faith through prayer, service, and the way she cared for those around her. She especially loved hosting Women’s Bible Study in her home, where she cherished the fellowship, friendships, and sisterhood that grew from gathering together around God’s Word. Her home became a place where women could come together to encourage one another, pray, study, laugh, and share life. Ruth treasured those relationships and the community of faith that came from them. Her family finds comfort knowing she is now home with her Savior.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Genevieve Atherton; her husband, Jack Edward Maxey; and her son, John Eric Maxey.

Those left to mourn the passing of Ruth include her children and their spouses, Jacqueline Elaine and Vic Cernetich, O’Fallon, Missouri; and Donald James and Denise Maxey, Greenville, North Carolina; her sister, Janice York, Crocker; ten grandchildren, Amanda Maxey, Carrie Maxey, Jack Edward Maxey II and wife, Karissa, Taylor Cernetich, Tori Meyer and husband, Nick, Olivia Reynolds and husband, Caleb, Eric Maxey and fiancée, Destiny, Eli Maxey and wife, Lissa, Arley Maxey, and Theo Maxey; fourteen great-grandchildren, Kendall, Kayden, Gavin, Jackson, Reed, Peyton, Parker, Levi, Grayson, Maverick, Emmy Kate, Jase, Tate, and Jameson; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whom she loved dearly.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” — Psalm 23:6