Ruth Johanna Hontz

Ruth Johanna (Bilquest) Hontz, 97, of Napoleon, Missouri passed away Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Wedgewood Gardens in Branson West, Missouri. 

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home 306 South Second Street Odessa, Missouri 64067. A Funeral Service will follow at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Odessa Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Croix Hospice. Memories of Ruth and condolences for her family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 South Second Street, Odessa, Missouri 64076, 816-633-5524.

Ruth was born on January 10, 1927, to George and Alma (Hockenson) Bilquest. She graduated in 1944 from Grain Valley High School. Ruth tended to care for the family and farm as a homemaker. She was an active member of Methodist Church in Kimberling City, Missouri. Ruth was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Lee Hontz on March 30, 1946, in Independence, Missouri. He proceeded her in death on March 10, 2001. Ruth spent her life as a dedicated homemaker, and her passions included painting, gardening, diamond art, and traveling. She found joy in working on the farm, whether it was running the combine or caring for the livestock. But her greatest joy came from being surrounded by her loved ones, especially her grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by a son Ronald (Kathy) Hontz of Lampe, MO; five grandchild, Stephen (Lisa) Hontz, Jr., Stacia (Mark) Massey, Christopher (Laure) Hontz, Ryan Hontz and Travis (Karrie) Hontz; twelve great grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Joyce; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. 

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by a son; Stephen R. Hontz; three, sisters, Judith, Maude, Dorothy; four brothers, Wesley, Daniel, Percy, and George.