Ruth Annette McCord

Ruth Annette McCord (Morris), 75, of Ste. Genevieve, died on December 18, 2016, surrounded by her family at Mercy Hospital in Festus. She was born September 2, 1941, in Esther. Mrs. McCord was married November 1, 1960, to Leslie Dean McCord of Esther. She is survived by: her husband, Leslie Dean McCord of Ste. Genevieve; sister, Jeanette Koen (John), Rolla; brother, James Edgar Morris (Betty), Belgrade; daughter, Leslea Annette McCord of Foristell; son, Morris Bradley McCord (Jennifer) of California; and grandchildren, Sarah Elizabeth McCord, Karlea Madison McCord, Kameron Mathew McCord, and Madison Anne McCord. She was preceded in death by: her parents, James Edgar and Corene Morris (Grimes), Bismarck; sister, Joyce Holdman (Jim), Belgrade; son, Jeffery Scott McCord, and infant daughter, Beth. Mrs. McCord graduated from Esther High School in 1959 and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Southeast Missouri State University and a Master's Degree in Library Science from Webster University. She began her career teaching 6th grade in Flat River for Central R-III Schools at Central Elementary and retired as a Librarian at West Elementary with 28 years of educational service. Ruth earned the respect of many students she interacted with and enjoyed the opportunity to shape young lives. She loved planting trees, wildflowers, and all nature and outdoor activities. Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge, Thursday, December 22, 2016, from 4:00 p.m., until 8:00 p.m. The service will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Chapel in Desloge, Friday, December 23, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Curt Gwartney officiating. Interment will follow at St. Francois Memorial Park in Bonne Terre. Memorials may be directed to Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation at P.O. Box 366, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0366.