Ruth M. Williams, the daughter of the late John Lewis and Stella Nelson Barber, was born in Dexter on Sept. 14, 1918, and died at her home in DeSoto on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2005, at the age of 87.

She had lived in St. Louis for many years and moved to her daughter's in DeSoto several weeks ago. Mrs. Williams had retired from McDonnell-Douglas in St. Louis, and she was a member of the Stephen Memorial United Methodist Church in Overland. She enjoyed gardening and working in her yard.

In 1936, she was married to James B. Williams, Jr. in Pacific. He preceded her in death on March 17, 1995.

Surviving are one son, Ronald L. Williams of St. Louis; one daughter, K. Jane Krueger of DeSoto; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Harold Barber of Dexter; and one sister, Doris Barber of Dexter.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and John Barber, and one sister, Mildred Goedert.

Visitation will be held after 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2005, at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2005, in the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Dexter with the Rev. Marty Lamp of Dexter officiating.

Interment will follow in the Hagy Cemetery in Dexter. Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter is in charge of arrangements.