Vera Ruth Jackson 88, passed away Sunday, September 23,2012 at Pacific Care Center in Pacific, Missouri. Ruth was the youngest daughter born to Joe Hicks and wife, Lurah nee Simpson on February 18Th, 1924 in Howard's Ridge, Mo. Ruth was raised on a farm during the depression . She attended the Church of Christ with her parents and 9 siblings , traveling by wagon.
Ruth graduated as the Valedictorian from Gainesville High School. Ruth began her career as a teacher in a one room school in northern Arkansas in 1942. In the fall she enrolled at Southwest Missouri State Teachers College in Springfield, Missouri with a 2 year scholarship . While in school she met Donald Coy Howell, a US Army Medic . and they married June 3 ,1943. They were blessed with 4 children. In 1952 she was teaching eight grades at Barnett School, a one room school, in Howell County Mo. In the mid Fifties Barnett School consolidated with 5 other country schools and formed C-12 Junction Hill School near West Plains. Ruth taught there 1955-1960 . The Howell Family moved to Times Beach in 1961 and she begin teaching at Robertsville. Teaching, raising a family, working as a cook in Valley Park she started night classes and correspondent courses to finished her degree. Ruth graduated from Washington University St. Louis in June 1967. Next she taught 2nd grade at Geggie Elementary then changed to 4th grade. Probably the most exciting activity she held for Fourth grade students and parents, was her Pioneer Day which followed the social studies unit on Missouri History. For the occasion ,most student and guests dressed in costume and enjoyed a variety of fine foods which were characteristic of the pioneer era. In May of 1984 she was awarded the "Outstanding Teacher Award". She was also retiring after 30 years of dedicated teaching.
On November 18, 1972 she married Ralph (Curly) Jackson . A few years later they moved to Robertsville from Times Beach.
Ruth was busy after retirement with her quilting, counted cross stitch pictures, and reading. During the summer months she canned meat, vegetables and fruit .
Ruth is survived by her husband Living Jackson of Robertsville, one daughter and two sons Five grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and two great – great grandsons.
Nine step grandchildren and twenty-five great step grandchildren.
Ruth is preceded in death by her first husband Coy Howell, daughter Vera Howell, stepson Ralph Jackson, six brothers and three sisters.
A quote from Dr. Dan Schlegel at her retirement dinner : " Mrs. Jackson is indeed a very unique and special teacher who planted many seeds of love and kindness. Her influence most certainly continue in the lives of those who have had the pleasure and good fortune to know her. We will all truly miss her ." Yes, this great lady that has touched so many lives will be missed by family and friends,
Ruth donated her body to Washington University Science Research.