Ruth Eleanor Moffitt (née Angell) passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024, at the age of 94. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on January 15, 1930, and is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Elmer “Richard” Moffitt.

She is preceded in death by her parents – Jeannette and Luther Angell, sisters – Jean Ellsworth (Hugh), Louise Koehler (Ray) and her brother Thomas Angell.

Beloved mother of Karen Macalady (Dennis Herbert) and Rich Moffitt (Suzanne LeBeau Moffitt). Doting grandmother of Megan Wellhausen (Ted Wellhausen), Eric Macalady (Megan Macalady), and Kelly Moffitt-Hawasly (Hany Hawasly). Devoted great-grandmother of Ryan and Maren Wellhausen, Cooper and Bodhi Macalady, and Baby Hawasly. An exceptional family member, friend, and confidant of countless people across St. Louis, America, and the globe.

Ruth grew up in a musical family in the Normandy neighborhood of St. Louis and that musicality carried through her entire life. A 1952 graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University’s College of Fine Arts with a Bachelor of Music, you could frequently hear her pitch-perfectly whistling and humming the likes of Andy Williams and Neil Diamond. And you could always find her in a store by the sound of that whistling. She never met a classic musical she didn’t like — “Meet Me In St. Louis” was a personal favorite, for which she “stood for hours in the longest line you’ve ever seen” with her sisters to attend the 1944 movie premiere in St. Louis. The Muny and Fox Theater were some of her most frequently visited locales.

While he may not have been “The Boy Next Door,” she met the absolute love of her life, Richard, on a romantic double date orchestrated by friends in 1951. After a brief but meaningful courtship, Richard proposed in front of Ruth’s childhood home in his 1950 Chevy convertible. They were married at Normandy Presbyterian Church on September 27, 1952, and Ruth wore a “white chantilly lace gown over satin and a long veil previously worn by her two sisters, held by a coronet,” as reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. After a night of celebration at the Coronado Hotel in downtown St. Louis, the couple immediately drove to Dexter, Missouri, where Lt. Richard Moffitt was to begin his first flight assignment at Malden Air Force Base. After stints in New Mexico, Texas, California, and Nevada, they returned to St. Louis in 1956, making it their home for the rest of their days.

Their 72-year love story was one for the record books — a mutual give-and-take and peerless loyalty that everyone who knew them together hoped to emulate. After marriage, Ruth and Richard started a family they were immensely proud of — first welcoming their daughter Karen, born in 1955, followed by their son Rich in 1958.

Family always came first in Ruth’s book, in words and deeds. She was known as a fierce protector of her kids and grandkids, nieces and nephews, no matter the opponent. She rarely missed a dance recital, baseball game, or graduation ceremony (of which there were many). No babysitting shifts, however last-minute, were ever turned down. She instilled a love of traditions, themes, and holidays in her family, with seasonal decor, bespoke dishes like her famous Fourth of July Flag Cake and Halloween chili, and personalized, hand-knitted/sewn gifts. In every sense of the phrase, she made the house a home. While none of us could read the handwriting held within, her bulging datebook of important events and anniversaries meant that no celebration was left without proper notation.

What was remarkable about Ruth’s love of family was that it extended far past blood-related kin. If you were in any way related to her kids, grandkids, or great-grandkids, Ruth knew your backstory and genuinely cared about you, inviting you into her home. She truly listened and showed up. And if you did not answer the phone to let her know you had made it home safely after a visit, you knew you would never live it down. How blessed we were to have that kind of person in our lives, keeping us all on track!

There was rarely a day where you wouldn’t find a golf game on Ruth and Richard’s television, after years spent on the golf course. And, of course, there was her voracious love of dominoes and card games, particularly bridge. She was a lifelong and beloved host of bridge parties with her dear neighborhood friends.

Ruth worked for several years at the old Famous Barr (Macy’s) in the record department where she acquired an impressive selection of celebrity autographs, St. Marks Mini School in Florissant, and, later, at the Missouri Peddler, where she perhaps brought home more goods than she sold. Later in her life, Ruth relished traveling with her loved ones, especially on local family trips to Table Rock Lake, where she overcame her childhood fear of the water to venture out on a jetski with her grandson. She also fondly remembered an incredible international adventure, which included a pilgrimage to England, Scotland, and Ireland that involved kissing the Blarney Stone.

Even as her memory faded toward the end of her life, Ruth never forgot to express her love for her family, particularly the younger ones in her clan, who always brought a smile to her face. She was the consummate matriarch, a beautiful soul, and an incredible person. We will miss her dearly.

The interment will be at Jefferson Barracks, 2900 Sheridan Rd., St. Louis, MO, 63125, on October 28 at 1:45 p.m.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be announced at a future date

In place of flowers, donations are encouraged to The Alzheimer’s Association.