Jeanette Ruth Ashley was born in St. Clair County, Missouri at the family home near Lowry City.  She was the daughter of Benjamin Homer and Mary Ann (Hannah) Salmon.  Ruth departed this life December 28, 2024 at the age of 94.

Ruth attended an elementary country school near her home and graduated from Montrose High School.  She began working for the elevator in Montrose, Missouri before moving to Kansas City.  She was united in marriage to Claud Mac Elliston who preceded her in death March 4, 1969.  She married Calvin Eugene Ashley on September 14, 1973.

Ruth retired as secretary and bookkeeper from Blue Springs Redi-Mix concrete company in 1990 and she and Gene moved to Hermitage, Missouri.  They enjoyed traveling in many U.S. states with her sister Pauline and husband Elmer Mannen. They soon sold their home and lived in their travel trailer especially enjoying wintering in Arizona.  After Gene's passing June 5, 1993, Ruth moved to Clinton, Missouri but returned to Arizona for winters.  She was a member of the Montrose United Presbyterian-Methodist Church until it's closing.  Ruth took up crafting when her health prohibited traveling.  She loved to make and share those items she made with family and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, and all of her siblings and their spouses: Faye (Wayne) Kneip, Dorothy (Russell) Erhart, Lucy (Maurice) Schallert, Louise (Edward) Stricker, Pauline (Elmer) Mannen and John (Nadine) Salmon.  She is survived by several nieces and nephews who loved her very much.  She will be missed by her extended family and friends.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to APPLETON CITY CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.