(Naomi) Ruth Cravens Bills, 85, Ash Grove, formerly of Springfield and Willard, passed away Saturday, September 2, 2017, from a long illness. Ruth, the youngest of 14 children, was born to Grover C. and Maude (Bolian) Cravens, September 7, 1931, in Hartville, MO. They all predeceased her. Her sisters were Ruby Cravens Floyd and Eula Cravens Sulser. Her brothers were Luther, Clifford, Rupert, Wilbur, Farris, Albert, Robert, George, Vernon, Marvin and Ellis.

For the past seven years she has been a resident of Ash Grove Healthcare Facility.

She attended public schools in Wright County and graduated from Hartville High School. She attended Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville and Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, where she also worked at American Linen Company. When her mother became ill, she returned to the Ozarks where she worked for The Bank of Mansfield and Commerce Bank. She later cooked on Wednesday nights at her church, Hamlin Memorial Baptist.

Ruth married Clyde C. Bills May 20, 1956. He preceded her in death in 2000. They have two daughters, Denise and Rosy. Ruth treasured her family and the many roles she played: daughter, sister, wife, mother, nana, great-nana, aunt, and sister-in-law. She was blessed with a mellow alto voice and willingly shared her talent with solos, singing with her brothers, and the church choir. Many times she was called on short notice to sing at funerals. She loved music, the Southern gospel she was raised on, classical music and pop standards. If you visited her at home, she invariably would have soft music playing in the background. She was an accomplished self-taught seamstress and was an avid gardener.

She is survived by her daughters, Denise Bills Koechner, Springfield and Rosy Bills (Donnie) Wagner, Ash Grove; three grandchildren, Tyson (Jessica) Wagner, Ash Grove, Quincy Koechner (David) Running and Nick Koechner; two great-granddaughters, Nora Leigh Running and Naomi Paige Running, Springfield; three sisters-in-law, Wilma Cravens, Doris Cravens and Mahalla Cravens; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her husband's family, Violet Asher, Frankie and Beverly Bills, Phyllis Sutherland, Gary and Glenna Bills, Sandy and Richard Lindsey, Donna and Ed Scott, and Susie and Paul Nease.

Ruth's service will be held in the Hamlin Memorial Baptist Church on Saturday, September 9, at 11 am with Rev Calvin Mayberry officiating; with visitation Friday, September 8, from 6-8 pm also in the church. *Burial will be at 12 pm, Monday, September 11, in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery.

Denise and Rosy want to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone at the Ash Grove Healthcare Facility for the wonderful care and love their mom received and for treating them like family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Arc of the Ozarks, Nova, Ash Grove Healthcare Auxiliary, or the Bank of Missouri for Naomi Running/Quincy Running or You caring.com: A strong heart for Naomi Running.






*please note the time of the burial has been moved to 12 PM, Monday instead of 1 PM.