Ruth Evelyn (James) Ford Pierce, 78, Hamilton, Missouri, passed away at her home on Friday, May 19, 2017.

Ruth was born on March 16, 1939, near the Bonanza Area of Cowgill, Mo., to Jesse Edward and Vera (Mumpower) James. She had lived in Caldwell County almost all of her life. She had worked as a waitress, a school bus driver for the Hamilton R-II school district, and she and her husband had owned and operated the Floyd & Ruth's Package Shop in Hamilton.

She was a member of the Hamilton United Methodist Church and was active at the Hamilton Senior Center. In the past she was very involved in 4-H and especially with being a leader in Horsemanship.

Ruth was married to John Charles Ford, Jr., and then later married Floyd Leonard Pierce. Floyd preceded her in death. She was also preceded by her parents; Son-Russell Ford; Daughter-Sharla Kaye Licklider; two brothers-Richard Edward James and Leroy (Lefty) James; and two grandsons-Daniel Wedlock and Danny Pierce, Jr.

Survivors: Children-Sheila Sternisha, Panama City, FL; Sharyl Ford Pollard, Hamilton; Justin Ford, Maysville, Mo.; Suzanne Pierce George, Warsaw, Mo.; and Danny Pierce, Sr., Hamilton; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; brother-Donald James, Hamilton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service: Monday, May 22, at 5 p.m., at the Hamilton United Methodist Church-Family Life Center.

Visitation: 1 hour prior to the service at the church, from 4 to 5 p.m.

A private family inurnment service will be held at a later date at the Highland Cemetery, Hamilton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to: The Caldwell County Foundation Cancer Assistance Fund, Cameron Comfort Care Hospice, or the Hamilton United Methodist Church.

Arrangements: Bram Funeral Home, Hamilton, Mo.