Ruth was born August 12, 1934 in Kansas City, Kansas to Rufus and Bessie Arnold. She was a graduate of Bonner Springs High, Class of 1952. She married her long time love, Al Espy in 1954 and celebrated 53 years together.
Ruth worked for Vet Med Publishing Company in Lenexa, Kansas and retired in 1992. Ruth had many hobbies. She loved hand sewing quilts, crocheting, painting, and bowling. Most of all, she loved to spend time with her family and friends. Ruth was a 64-year member of the Bonner Springs Order of Eastern Star, Gladiolas #459 and Rebekahs: Saratoga #660. She was a lifelong member of Edwardsville Christian Church.
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Rufus and Bessie; husband, Al Espy; sisters, Mable Appleton, Edith Stephenson, Betty Bergerstock; and brother, Earl Arnold.
She is survived by her sons, Richard (Dot) Espy and Tom (Brenda) Espy; daughter Ann Espy; four grandchildren, Valerie (Jeremy) Elliott, Brent (Rachele) Espy, Matt (Cindy) Espy, and Mitchell (Mandy) Espy; eleven great-grandchildren, Rachel (Noah) Erickson, Nate, Elizabeth, Brooks, Brennan, Sheldon, Morgan, Baylor, Landon, Lily, and Connor; and one great-great grandson, Owen.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, December 7, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66112. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Kindred Hospice of Lenexa, Kansas; Edwardsville Christian Church; or Villa St. Francis Care Center of Olathe, Kansas.
To all of Ruth’s nieces and nephews, and friends, thank you for all the love and joy you brought into her life, she loved you all so much.
