Ruth Torreyson   Ruth Talitha Torreyson, 91, of Vandalia, formerly of Laddonia and Mexico, died at 7:15 a.m., Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, at Tri-County Care Center in Vandalia. Ruth was born Aug. 25, 1917, in Rush Hill, a daughter of Clyde Howard and Lillie Elizabeth (Lower) Shoup. On April 16, 1939, in Mexico, she married James O. Pasley. Mr. Pasley preceded her in death on Sept. 15, 1975. On May 17, 1981, in Laddonia, she married Clarence S. Torreyson, who preceded her in death on April 26, 1987. Mrs. Torreyson was a longtime teacher beginning her career in rural one room schools. Over the years she also taught in several Audrain County communities including Mexico, Community R-6, and she retired from the Van-Far R-1 district. She attended Culver-Stockton College and received both her Bachelor and Masters of Education degrees from the University of Missouri Columbia. Ruth is survived by three sons, J. Gordon Pasley and wife Margaret, Quincy, Ill., Bruce D. Pasley and wife Cherry, Laddonia, and Brent C. Pasley and wife Cyndee, Clarksville, Ten.; one daughter, Wilda Haas and husband Jim, New Bloomfield; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. In addition to both husbands she was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the Martinsburg Community Church with Rev. John Blass officiating. Visitation will be at the church Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Liberty Christian Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be given to the charity of the donors’ choice. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.

Public Tributes and Expressions of Sympathy Your mom was a delight to visit with. I visited her often when one of my parents was a resident at Tri County. I made a few trips back to visit her and kept reminding myself I needed to get back there. I saved up questions about Laddonia to ask her because I knew she would have an answer. I wish I could come to visitation to pay my respects, but as I explained to Bruce, it isn't possible, work wise. Elaine Stone Dameron I am Susan Elaine Torreyson Rose. I am Ross and Thelma Torreyson's daughter, I am writing for myself and my three brothers, Robert Torreyson, Edward Torreyson and Donald Torreyson, in sympathy of loss of a family member. My mother thought dearly of Ruth, and spoke of her kindly. So sorry to hear of your loss. My E-Mail address is serose@centurytel.net. Feel free to contact me any time. Thanks, Susan Rose On behalf of myself and the NEHS Step Team I would like to extend our sympathy to Mr. Brent Pasley and family. Ms. Faye Perkins Mrs. Pasley was my 5th grade teacher at McMillan Elementary in Mexico (1962-63). I had many good and dedicated teachers in the Mexico Schools. Mrs. Pasley was one of the best. Her kindness and regard for each student paved the way for us to excel but even more she was a model of how we should treat each other. I am now, myself, an educator of 27 years and the examples of those before me... like Ruth Pasley helped me on this journey. William (Bill) McIntyre, Fort Lauderdale, Fla I was unable to attend the visitation or funeral for your mother. I want to extend my sympathy, Ruth was such a dear friend of our family. I remember the times as a child and the tea parties at your house Wilda, as our parents played pitch. Please except this as my expression of sympathy....Barbara(LaRue)Brandt, Fulton, MO

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