Ruth (Ruthie) Alice Bates, 94, passed away peacefully in her home at The Waterford in Springfield, MO, on Wednesday, October 17th. She was born on January 4th, 1924 in Rogersville, MO to farmers Jenny and Jerry Mumford. She later married Freeman V. Bates in Springfield Missouri in 1945 and had two children, Sharon Bates Benton and C. Suzanne Bates. Freeman passed away in 1991 and Ruthie later married Cecil Wyett in 2004. Cecil passed away in September of 2017.

Ruthie attended Rogersville High School where she lettered in softball, and continued to enjoy sports for the remainder of her life. She worked at Neff's Women's Apparel for decades and was an active member at Twin Oaks Country Club. She was an avid golfer, traveler, gardener, and dancer. Ruthie loved life, stepping foot on nearly every continent in the world. She was passionate about discovering new places, had a keen sense of adventure and an incredible sense of humor. Ruthie loved her family and was a source of inspiration and guidance for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ruthie is survived by her two daughters Suzanne (Minneapolis) and Sharon (Springfield) and by her three grandchildren Matthew Vanatta, Blair Benton, and Adam Benton.

Informal visitation from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday, October 19, 2018 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole St, Springfield, MO 65804.    Private burial will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery.  Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 20, 2018 in the funeral home with visitation following.