Ruth Shannon Freeman, aka "Aunt Martha", 83, of Springfield passed away on July 22, 2013 in James River Care Center in Springfield. She was born at the Methodist Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee to Lucian Edger and Hazel Caroline Lane Shannon on November 16, 1929. Ruth lived most of her life in Springfield and was a graduate of Southwest Missouri State University. She was an avid Lady Bear and Men's Bear team supporter for over 50 years. She was the owner of Aunt Martha's Pancake House from 1964 to 2008. In July'08, her daughter, Brenda, took over the day to day operations of the business. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, D.G. Freeman (1974); brother, George Shannon (2010); sister-in-law, Betty Shannon (2010); and her daughter, Linda Ruth Freeman (1976). She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Freeman. The family would like to express a special thanks to Ruth's caregivers at James River Care and Rehab Center, Sandy, Diane, Mindy, Debbie, Jean, Katherine, Jen, Caroline, Michelle, Robert, Vonna, and "Peaches", as well as Hospice Compassus, especially Stephanie and Suzy for their excellent care. The family would also like to thank personal friends Martha, Connie, Todd, Jim, Jeff, Mike, Jack, Sherry, Patti, Gary, Jeanne, Don, Richard, Jason, Larry, First and Calvary Presbyterian Church, St. James Episcopal Church/Rev. Charles R. Uhlik, her customers at Aunt Martha's Pancake House and the many friends she made along the way. In lieu of flowers, Ruth would like donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1630 W. Elfindale St, Springfield, MO 65807 or St. James Episcopal Church, 2645 E. Southern Hills Blvd, Springfield, MO 65804. Graveside services will be held Monday, July 29, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in Rivermonte Memorial Gardens under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. No visitation will be planned.