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.