Ruth M. Drury, 86, of Holton, formerly of Hiawatha, surrounded by family, died peacefully Wednesday morning, November 15, 2017, at the Holton Community Hospital.

Ruth was one of four children born to Robert and Edna York Foster, October 2, 1931, in Kansas City, Kansas. She grew up in Kansas City where she attended schools, later graduating from Wyandotte High School with the class of 1949. She married her childhood sweetheart Woodward “Woody” Drury, September 21, 1952 in Kansas City. They lived in the Shawnee/Merriam area prior to moving to Hiawatha in 1970 where they lived, worked, and raised their family. Ruth spent much of her working life as a certified nurse aid (CNA) for area nursing homes. However, her family was most important and was dedicated to them and their care and needs. They moved to Holton about 12 years ago to be near Ruth’s doctors. Woody survives.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hiawatha.

Other survivors include five sons: Bob Drury (Lois) of Lawrence, Gerald Drury of Holton, Ed Scott of Hiawatha, Steve Drury (Sherilyn) of Gladstone, MO, Zoe Drury of Holton; two brothers: Don Foster of Colorado Springs, CO, Bill Foster of Apache Junction, AZ; 9 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; infant sister Wanda Lea Foster; and a daughter Stephanie.

A Celebration of Ruth’s life is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday, November 18, at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Hiawatha, with Pastor James Callaway. Interment will follow at Hiawatha Cemetery.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 Friday where the family will meet from 6 until 7:30 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Jackson County Meals on Wheels Program, sent in care of funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

www.chapeoaksfuneralhome.com