Ruth Dean (Pope) Atkinson

Ruth Dean (Pope) Atkinson, 85, of Eldon, Missouri changed her place of residence on November 19, 2025 at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, Missouri.  She was born March 18, 1940 in the home in Brumley, Missouri, the daughter of Jewel S. and Vecia L. (Barnes) Pope.  On January 3, 1959 in Kansas City, Missouri she was united in marriage to Paul H. Atkinson, who survives.

Ruth graduated high school in Holden, MO in 1957.  She was employed at the Nazarene Publishing House and later worked at the Internal Revenue Service as a key punch operator.  After the family moved to Eldon, she worked at Gold Crown Foods, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Foodliner grocery store and Walmart.  She then retired from the Missouri Department of Health in the Vital Records.

Her greatest achievement was that of a Godly wife, mother, grandmother and then as a friend to many.

After becoming a Christian at a very young age, she became a member and attended the Church of the Nazarene for the remainder of her life.

Along with her husband Paul, she is survived by daughters, Pamela Williams and husband Dayle, Sharon Truitt and husband Jeff, and son David Atkinson and wife Gina all of Eldon, one brother, Larry Pope and wife Sandy, brother-in-law Wendall Atkinson and wife Dorothy, sisters-in-law, Dollie Pope, Carolyn Blakenship and Pat Atkinson, nine grandchildren, Brandon Scrivner, Niccole (Trey) Propes, Brent (Danielle) Scrivner, Kayla (Kevin) Dock, Michael (Jamie) Atkinson, Drew Atkinson, Cody (Maggie) Lewis, Robert Williams, Joshua Williams, 25 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren with one due in December.  She also cherished many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Cecil, Leman and Paul, and in-laws, Tincy Pope, Betty Pope, Dean Atkinson, Spencer Blankenship and Mary and Bob Roberts.

Visitation will be Monday, November 24, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Church of the Nazarene of Eldon, MO with the Funeral Service beginning at 12:00 PM with Rev. Jerry Frye officiating.  Burial will follow at the Eldon City Cemetery.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials in her name are suggested In Care of the Family. 

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO. 

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