With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Ruby Lucille Shackelford Root Trefz, our loving and devoted mother, on June 1, 2022. She was 97. Prior to her death, Ruby resided in Bella Vista, Arkansas with her daughter, Paula, and husband Jim Waters.
Ruby Lucille was born on February 19, 1925, in Jefferson City, Missouri. The daughter of Argus Francis Shackelford and Laura Elva Buckner Shackelford who preceded her in death. On May 27, 1943, she married the love of her life, Paul Eldon Root, Sr., who preceded her in death on September 12, 1975. On January 21, 1978, she married William G. Trefz who also preceded her in death on February 22, 1997.
Ruby was preceded in death by her beloved siblings, Roye Edward Shackelford, Herbert Ray Shackelford Sr., Bessie Mae Shackelford LaBoube Dubovick, and Norma Lee Shackelford Chain. Survivors include her children, Edward Lee Root (Doris), Paula Kay Root Waters (Jim), Laura Gayle Root Purcell (Steve), and Theresa Sue Root Lammers (Mike). Preceding her in death, her sons, Thomas Eldon Root, Ronald Byron Root, Paul Eldon Root Jr., and Michael Ray Root Sr. She is survived by 27 grandchildren, 52 greatgrandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren with 2 more on the way. She was so proud of the fact she was 97 years young and had 97 offspring from her and Paul’s family.
Ruby believed in hard work and was employed for many years at Banquet Foods, and the Marshall Rehabilitation Center. She lived a full life as a wonderful mother believing in the Lord, and every night she would lead her children in The Lord’s Prayer. Ruby had a lovely voice and enjoyed singing gospel songs. She was baptized as a youth in a river in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Ruby loved to cook, kept an immaculate house, and was highly skilled at gardening growing the loveliest flowers. She enjoyed reading her paper and completed many word searches while sipping on her morning coffee. Ruby loved shopping and trading stories and laughs around the dining room table or sitting outside in her lawn chair soaking up the warm sunshine and fresh air. She always said, “I had a great day today and will have an even better day tomorrow.”
Most of all, Ruby fiercely loved her family. All who loved her dearly and will never forget her strength, tenacity, wit, charm, pertinent grace, and underlying love and caring for them. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
A Celebration of Life visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 6, 2022, at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Marshall, Missouri. Graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Nelson Cemetery in Nelson, Missouri, with Brother Rodney Haggett officiating. Memorials are suggested to Nelson Cemetery. Friends may sign the online register book at www.campbell-lewis.com
