Mary Ruth Ridgel Gifford

Mary Ruth Ridgel Gifford, 89, went to be with the Lord Friday, December 30, 2011, at Fulton Manor Care Center, surrounded by her family members and loved ones of "Fulton Manor Staff, Family". She was born May 23, 1922, in Callaway County, the daughter of the late Howard Ridgel and the late Martha J. (Giboney) Ridgel Keeling. On April 11, 1937, she was united in marriage to Leslie "Doc" Gifford, who preceded her in death in 1999. Mary worked at the International Shoe Factory for 27 years. She also worked at the State Hospital and William Woods University. Mary enjoyed listening to country music, cooking, and spending time with her family. Mary will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by two daughters; Helen Renner and husband Larry of Fulton, and Carolyn Kemp of Oak Grove; eight grandchildren, Rick Kemp and wife Carol Ann of Carrolton, Ga., Curtis Quick and wife Leasa of Fulton, Tony Quick and wife Lori of Fulton, Tim Quick and wife Cindy of Fredericksburg, Va., Kathy O'Haver of Columbia, Lisa Payne and husband Mike of Fulton, Heidi Ebersole and husband Kent of Fulton, and Tracy Kemp and wife Mischelle of Oak Grove; 21 great- grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Josie Griggs of Columbia and Frances Smith of Columbia; one sister-in-law, Evelyn Reed and husband Jimmie of Fulton; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her husband, Mary was preceded in death by one daughter, Mary Jane Gifford; two grandchildren, Mitch Kemp and Mary Renner; one brother, Frederick Ridgel; and one son-in-law, David Kemp. Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at Maupin Funeral Home with Pastor Bruce Williamson officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at Maupin Funeral Home. Interment will be at Callaway Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Fulton Manor Care Center, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Blvd, Fulton, MO 65251. Online condolences may be shared at MaupinFuneralHome.com.