Alma Ruth Larmon

Alma Ruth Larmon, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and devoted educator, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2024, at the age of 78. Ruth was born on September 22, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Alvin and Mildred Reeves. She was the last surviving member of her nine siblings, each of whom she held dear throughout her life. Raised in the bootheel of Missouri, Ruth spent her summers picking cotton to help her family make ends meet. A proud graduate of Braggadocio High School, Class of 1963, she pursued higher education at the College of the Ozarks. It was there she met and married Gary Larmon on May 20, 1967. Together, they built a life full of love and devotion in Branson, Missouri. Ruth earned a degree in Home Economics and devoted her career to teaching at Hollister High School. Her influence on students and colleagues alike was significant. She retired in 1997 after many years of dedicated service. In retirement, Ruth continued to contribute to their community by working alongside Gary in his business until his retirement in 2020. Her steadfast support was a cornerstone of their shared successes. Ruth was raised in a Christian home and accepted Jesus as her savior at a young age, a long time member of First Baptist Church Branson, Ruth served on many committees and volunteered in a variety of capacities within the church during her life. A passionate advocate for helping others, Ruth volunteered for many years at the Options Pregnancy Clinic, where she provided mentoring, support and cooking classes to women facing unplanned pregnancies. Her compassion and commitment to making a difference were evident in all she did. Throughout her life she continued to mentor former students offering friendship, love and support. Ruth is survived by her beloved husband Gary of Branson, Missouri; their two daughters, Melissa Levine (Joe) of Fort Worth, Texas and Jill Purvis(Shawn) of Warrensburg, Missouri; and her six grandchildren Riley Barry (Miles) of Centerton, Arkansas, Paige Shelton (Nathan) of Bentonville, Arkansas, Dominic Levine of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Gabriella Levine of Bentonville, Arkansas, Cooper Purvis of Warrensburg, Missouri and Madalyn Levine of Springfield, Missouri who were the pride and joy of her life. Ruth’s legacy lives on through her family, and her love for her grandchildren was evident in every moment she spent with them. Ruth had a smile and laugh that brought joy to all who were fortunate enough to call her friend. She had an uncanny ability to make all feel welcome and her quick wit made her a joy to share a conversion with. She brought countless smiles into the lives of everyone she knew. Her memory will be cherished by her family and friends, and she will be deeply missed. Her legacy of love and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Ruth will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. A memorial service to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held on Saturday, September 7, at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Branson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made In Ruth’s honor to the following charities close to Ruth’s heart or a charity of your choice. College of the Ozarks - Attn: Development Center, PO Box 17 Point Lookout, MO 65726 (please add Ruth Larmon in the memo line) or online at https://www.cofo.edu/Donate. Options Pregnancy Clinic: 192 Expressway Lane, Suite 100, Branson, MO 65616 (please add Ruth Larmon in the memo line) or online at https://optionspregnancyclinic.com. Rest in peace, Alma Ruth Larmon. Your light will continue to shine in our hearts forever.

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Alma Ruth Larmon

September 22, 1945 - July 23, 2024