Ruth Dennis Craig, wife of James Richard (Jim) Craig, died unexpectedly Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at the age of 89. Ruth graduated from Mansfield High School and attended Missouri State Teachers College (now Missouri State University). She began her life's journey with Jim at the age of 16, and they remained soul mates through 70 years marriage. Ruth enjoyed the simple pleasures of lifelooking at the moon, watching the birds at the feeder, and looking for new signs of each season as she and Jim took their regular drives through the countryside. She and Jim traveled the United States with first their children and then their grandchildren, always starting with a supply of chocolate chip cookies. Ruth was the unwavering center of the family, the constant foundation that allowed Jim to pursue his career and avocations, her children to follow their dreams, and her grandchildren to grow into responsible and productive adults. Her family was her life, and she put love into every meal she cooked and every bed she made. Ruth made each member of the family feel uniquely loved, remembering each person's favorite foods and cooking up at least a year's supply of strawberry preserves every spring. Each new baby in the family was another opportunity for her to do what she did bestnurture and love. Ruth lost Jim six months ago. Despite her determination to carry on, they were two halves of a greater whole that couldn't be divided. While her passing leaves the family with a tremendous sadness, there is comfort in knowing that she and Jim are together again. She was an irreplaceable woman who will remain in her family's hearts forever. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Ruth Ann Johnson; son Jim Craig, Jr. and his wife, Diane; grandsons and their wives Jeff and Yumi Goswick, David and Beth Goswick, Scott and Traci Craig, Steven and Erin Craig, and Benjamin and Sarah Craig; and great-grandchildren Jessica, Eli, Elyssa, and Logan Goswick, Matthew, Lindsey, and Lauren Craig, Jonah Sarabia, and Vivian Craig who will join the family in September. Services will be held at 2:00pm Monday, April 22, 2013 at Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Visitation will begin at noon before the service, and burial will be at Maple Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made through Gorman-Scharpf to the Jim and Ruth Craig Endowment Fund, College of Education, Missouri State University.