Ruth Flynn, 83, of Wellington passed away Friday, Jan. 22, 2021, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at St. George Catholic Church in Odessa. Visitation also will be on Friday at the church from 9 until 11.

The Rosary will be recited at 8:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Wellington City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Wellington-Napoleon Kids First Foundation for the benefit of early childhood education. Memories and condolences may be left at www.LedfordFamilyfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home; 1720 South St.; Lexington, MO 64067.

Ruth was born in Prathersville, the youngest of three daughters, to William and Juanita (Writesman) Hart. She graduated in 1955 from Excelsior Springs High School and then from Central Missouri State Teachers College. She married Cecil Lee Flynn in 1959, and together, they raised a family of six children and worked long careers as public educators.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil; mother and father; sister, Betty Porter; infant daughter, Sally; and in-laws, Joe and Rowena Flynn.

She is survived by her sister, Patricia Lamb; sons, Paul Ellensohn (Sherry) and Patrick Flynn; daughters, Kate Root, Kelly Geringer (Jack), Molly Flynn (Debbie) and Marti Flynn (Jim); six grandchildren; and three greatgrandchildren.

Ruth was a music and kindergarten teacher. She worked with Missouri’s Head Start Program and Parents as Teachers. She finished her career as the director of early childhood development with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and was known for her work to improve early childhood education.

She belonged to the St. George Catholic Church and the Lafayette-Lexington Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a master crafter, great cook and cookbook author. Her cookbook, quilting and crafting projects are cherished parts of many households.

She was a quiet but determined fighter for equality and peace.