Ruth Irene Slayton Edwards, daughter of the late Jake and Connie (Rhoades) Schudy, was born Jan. 5, 1939, in Cold Springs, and went to her heavenly home Sep. 27, 2021, in Mountain Grove, Missouri. She was 82 years, 8 months and 17 days of age. Ruth attended school and graduated with the Ava High School Class of 1957. She was united in marriage to Lester Slayton in 1959. One son, Jake Ray Slayton, was born to this union. Ruth and Lester owned and operated Westside Auto Parts in Mountain Grove for over 15 years and later, OK Tire with their son, Jake, for 17 years. Lester passed away on July 15, 1992.
Ruth was united in marriage to Iby Edwards in 1999. She loved animals and always had a small, mixed breed, house dog which she always named, “Levi,” until her last one with Iby and she just wanted to call her, “Baby.” Ruth was a member of Southside Baptist Church for almost 50 years where she played piano for most of those years. Many words have been used to describe Ruth… classy, elegant, kind. But she would want to be most remembered for her dedication to Christ and her family.
Besides her parents and first husband, Ruth was preceded in death by one sister, Vivian Hardin, and one brother, Neil Schudy. She is survived by her husband, Iby Edwards; her son, Jake Slayton and wife, Kelly; two grandchildren, Jordan Slayton and wife, Randi, and Ali Watson and husband, Grant; four great-grandchildren, Brooklynn Rae Slayton, Elijah Jake Watson, Taylor Nichole Watson and Alyssa Mae Watson; one sister, Ilene Halford; and many nieces and nephews. Ruth is also survived by Iby’s son, Keith Edwards and wife, Deanna, and their three sons, Aaron, Braxton and Connor. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Graveside services for Ruth Slayton Edwards were held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, in the Hillcrest Cemetery of Mountain Grove. The Rev. Wayne Cannon served as officiant. Ray Bradley sang “Amazing Grace.”
Pallbearers were Jordan Slayton, Ali Watson, Brent Halford, Warren Halford, Bill Gray and Bob Kelsay. Burial was in the Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove, Missouri. Family has requested memorial contributions be made to Southside Baptist Church or The Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Ruth.
