OWENSBORO, Ky. — Mary Ruth Morris Spurrier, 88, of Owensboro, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, at Wellington Parc. Mary Ruth, as she was known by family and many friends, was born April 4, 1932, in Louisville, Kentucky, to the late Earl and Augusta Morris.
There she met and married Harry Spurrier on April 8, 1950. After leaving high school early to get married, she returned to the classroom and completed her high school diploma 10 years later. She went on to earn college credit to qualify as a Headstart leader/teacher.
She faithfully partnered and followed her husband in faith and ministry as he served as a pastor in Methodist churches across Western Kentucky for 37 years. She raised a son and daughter in Methodist parsonages and always was a loved and active part of the congregations he served. Mary Ruth was a talented artist and painted murals on several church school walls.
Though not a musician, like her husband, she loved the hymns of the church and during her last years could be heard singing them wherever she was. They retired to their home in Owensboro where they made Wesleyan Heights United Methodist Church their church home.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Spurrier also was preceded in death by her husband of 69 ½ years, Rev. B. Harry Spurrier, and her siblings, Betty Jean Tomes, Catherine Rule, Earl Morris, and Barbara Morris.
Those who remain to cherish her memory include her children, Rev. Kenneth D. Spurrier (Becky), of Beaver Dam, Kentucky, and Shari Blackwell (Randy), of Summerville, Georgia; her grandchildren, Angela Defoor (Richard), Brandon Spurrier, Eric Johnson, Randy Lee Blackwell (Heather), and DeAnna Smith (James); and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation for Mary Ruth Spurrier will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory followed by a funeral service with limited attendance. Burial will be in Rosebud UMC Cemetery in Crittenden County. Those attending the visitation and funeral service shall be within current health and safety directives. Family and friends shall wear appropriate personal protective masks and social distance. For visitation please enter the doors near the flagpole on the Breckenridge Street side of the building.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Wesleyan Heights United Methodist Church, 1215 Scherm Rd, Owensboro, KY 42301.
Memories and condolences for the family of Mary Ruth Spurrier may be left at www.glenncares.com.