Ruth Ellen Wood

Ruth Ellen Wood, age 82, of Bonne Terre, Missouri, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025. She was surrounded by her family and loving care providers at St. Joe Manor.

Ruth was born on March 1, 1943, to Herbert and Gladys Wood in Bonne Terre’s St. Joseph Hospital. After graduating from St. Joseph High School in Farmington, Missouri, in 1961, Ruth attended the local community college to study bookkeeping. Upon graduation she joined Commerce Bank in Bonne Terre as operator of the proofing machine. Ruth loved her job and her co-workers. She rarely missed a day of work until she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

Ruth was the ninth of eleven children in the Wood Family. Her parents Herbert and Gladys Wood preceded her in death, as did her brothers Herbert (Nancy), Donald (Helen), Joseph (Janet), and Francis (Carol) and her sister Mary Ann. Ruth is survived by brothers Fr. Robert, Leroy (Mabel), John (Elaine) and sisters Barbara (Michael Sanders), and Dorothy (Thom Gleich).

Ruth dedicated her life to God. She was a devoted caregiver to her parents as they aged, allowing them to stay in their home until they passed. She was a firm supporter of the right of every child to live.

Ruth loved playing board games, card games, video games and putting puzzles together. She loved riding rollercoasters, often taking nieces and nephews along to the theme parks. She was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball and football teams, as well as the St. Louis Blues hockey team. She would always invite a younger sister, niece, or nephew along. She was the best Aunt and Sister in the world!

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 11, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bonne Terre, Missouri. The funeral mass will begin at 12:00 pm followed by the burial at the Catholic cemetery in Bonne Terre. A meal will be provided in the St. Joseph Church basement following the burial.

Donations may be made to Missouri Right to Life or to the Congregation of the Mission.