Ruth Ann Maahs

Ruth Ann Maahs passed away on July 10, 2013 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. She was born on November 6, 1944 in Neodesha, Ks. to Jess and Odetta (Mullens)Powers. Ruth grew up in Fredonia, Ks and graduated from Fredonia High School in 1962. After high school Ruth attended Mercy School of Nursing in Ft. Scott, Ks. She graduated from the three year program with a degree in Nursing in 1965. Ruth was a registered nurse for more than 40 years and worked in various specialty areas. Ruth married Ivan Leroy Maahs on December 10, 1966 in Springfield, Mo. Ruth was a member of River of Life in Poplar Bluff. She was a generous person and although she birthed one son she adopted countless kids and was known as "Mama Ruth" to many. Her hobbies included collecting bibles and fountain pens, and she loved antiques. In her younger years Ruth was an excellent sharpshooter and enjoyed demonstrating her keen eye. Ivan and Ruth had a love of small cars, MG's in particular, and participated in many Gymkhana Motorsport events. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Jess and Odetta Powers, her sister, Helen Wilson, her spouse, Ivan Leroy Maahs, and sister-in-law, Gwen Dryer. Ruth is survived by her son Hanz, daughter-in-law Heather and grandson Lawson Maahs, her Father-in-law, Gordon Foster and sister-in-law, Jane Woodruff. Surviving nieces and nephews include Dennie and Judith Gier, Ron and Pam Thuma, Pat and Deanna Wilson, Larry and Robin Stanoshek, and numerous great nephews and nieces. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2013 from 6-8 pm at Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home 844 Cedar Street, Poplar Bluff. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday July 14, 2013, in the funeral home chapel. Ruth will be laid to rest next to her husband Ivan, at Newton Burial Park in Nevada, Mo. on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at 10:00 am. Memorial donations may be made to: The Breadshed at Breadshed.org a non-profit organization in Poplar Bluff.