Ruth Ann Mefford, age 91, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Azria Health Longview in Missouri Valley. Ruth was born, Aug. 5, 1934, in Bloomfield, Neb., to Walter and Lola Wulf. Ruth graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1951, and her first job was teaching at a one-room country schoolhouse two miles from her farm home in Knox County. She did this job for three years until June of 1954 when she married Ferdy F. Mefford, soon after his honorable discharge from the Navy. Three children were born from this marriage: Daniel, Stephen and Richard. In addition to her three sons, she especially adored their spouses, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. Ruth especially cherished and loved her high school sweetheart that she was married to for over 67 years and was her companion for over 70 years. She loved to quilt and Ruth ensured that all the newborn grandchildren and many of the great-grandchildren received a hand-crafted quilt and other hand sewn treasures.
Ruth had various occupations in Missouri Valley as a retail bookkeeper and most notably was the owner of the Mode-O-Day franchise situated on Main Street next to the movie theatre. She was active in the Chamber of Commerce and served on the Library Board, Low Rent Housing Agency Board, the DeSoto Bend Nature Shop Board and was a very active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Ruth and Ferdy donated the fireplace mantel in the reading room of the public library and a plaque commemorating this is still in place.
Ruth is survived by her sons Daniel (Amy) Mefford and Stephen Mefford; daughter-in-law Kathy Mefford; grandchildren Kelly Mefford, Paul (Caitlin) Mefford, Kristy (Wes) Griffith, Samantha Mefford, Joe Mefford, Amanda (Mike) Cliffe, Melissa (Pat) Manzer, Audrey (Erwin) Hawley, Leyanna Mefford, Aris (Trenton Moore) Mefford and many wonderful great-grandchildren.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Lola (Sigler) Wulf, son Richard Mefford, brother Chris (Arlin) Wulf and daughter in law Claudia Mefford.
Visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, from 5-7:00 pm at Hennessey Funeral Home in Missouri Valley.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at 10am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Missouri Valley.
Memorials will be accepted for St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Missouri Valley Public Library.
Arrangements made by Hennessey Funeral Home, Missouri Valley.
