Ruth L. Parks, age 91, of Clinton, Missouri passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital, Clinton. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 21, 2011, at First Baptist Church, Deepwater, Missouri with interment in Maplewood Cemetery, Brownington, Missouri. Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 20, 2011 at Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton. Family suggests memorial contributions to American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association or First Baptist Church, Deepwater, Missouri and left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Ruth was born in Brownington, Missouri the daughter of W.A. and Nola (Thompson) Crowder. In 1948 she married Clayton L. Parks. Ruth loved her Lord and was a member of the Deepwater Baptist Church, Deepwater, Missouri where she faithfully attended as long as her health permitted. She worked for Vansant-Mills Funeral Home for nine years and later worked for Twin Lake Hospice, Clinton. She was on the Democratic Committee, a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, lifelong member of V.F.W Ladies Auxiliary, a member of the Eagles Auxiliary #3667, and a member of the Eastern Star. She also volunteered for the Henry County Museum.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sons, one brother, three sisters and one grandson, Mike Johnson.

She is survived by her five daughters, Beverly Robbins of Independence, Missouri, Mary Ruth Findley of Clinton, Nola Ann Johnson and husband Bob of Lee's Summit, Missouri, Sharon Perry and husband Dan of Edgerton, Missouri and Clayta Parks of Kansas City North, Missouri; one son, Jim Eversole and wife Charla of Rayville, Missouri; six grandchildren, Ruthie, Holly, Rebecca, Billy, Justin and Jonathan and nine great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; as well as nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends.