Ruth Marie Kalthoff, 96, formerly of Marshall, MO, passed away Saturday, January 30, 2021, in Springfield, MO, where she had resided for the past 13 years.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 5, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marshall, with Pastor William Voelker officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be at Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Marshall. Masks are required, and social distancing will be observed. Memorials are suggested to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marshall or Seasons Hospice in Springfield. Friends may sign the online register book at www.campbell-lewis.com

Born February 15, 1924, in Marshall, she was the daughter of the late William Marshall Butts and Lula Mae Hill Butts. On February 17, 1951, she married Melvin H. Kalthoff who preceded her in death February 19, 2005. Ruth lived in Marshall most of her life and was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. She was employed as a nurse’s aide at Fitzgibbon Memorial Hospital for over 30 years until her retirement. She later returned to work part-time at the Democrat News and also cared for several clients as a personal aide for many years.

Ruth is survived by one son, Jack L. Thomas, of Marshall; two daughters: Lana M. Mann of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Karla J. Slavens of Springfield, MO; five grandchildren: Darin Thomas, Lance Thomas, Tiffany Thomas, Brian Francis and Joshua Mann; ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; one sister, Barbara Schmirler of Wausau, WI; one brother, James Butts of Marshall; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Melvin; one son, Jerry L. Thomas; four brothers: Ray, Wilbur, Ralph and Bobby Butts; and three sisters: Kay Bullard, Ruby Smith and Shirley Wolfe Failor.