Miriam Ruth Hogan was born at home on December 11, 1928, in Pacific, MO. She was the fifth child of Miriam W. and James V. Hogan, Sr. On July 26, 2024, at the age of 95 ½ years, Ruth peacefully passed away surrounded by family. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings: Arthur Hogan (an infant brother), James V. Hogan, Sr. (Saundie), David C. Hogan (Norma and Arline), Donald A. Hogan (Helen), Robert C. Hogan, H. Tom Hogan, Marilyn J. Smith, and Martha A. Prichard (Clyde), two nephews; Tom Hogan and Wayne Hogan, and two nieces; Kathleen Brauer and Carolyn San Paolo. 

Ruth was a 1946 graduate of Pacific High School where she was on the women’s volleyball team. She excelled in math and made several life-long friends.  After graduation, Ruth began working for the family business James V. Hogan and Sons Dairy in the store and office.  In 1974, Ruth began working for Dr. D. B. Ecker and Dr. Robben until 1984 as the bookkeeper. Ruth retired from The Jones Company accounting office in 1993. During retirement she kept busy chasing after her great nieces and nephews, attending weddings and showers, delivering meals on wheels, and taking care of others in need.

Throughout her life, Ruth loved to travel and took many of her nieces and nephews on a memorable vacation to various locations throughout the United States. Each person has a special memory of the vacation and one-on-one time spent with their extraordinary Aunt Ruth. Ruth was a dedicated member of the Order of Eastern Star as well as a devoted member of the Pacific United Methodist Church for 95 years. During that time she was a Sunday School teacher, a Volunteer in Mission participant, a Turkey Dinner aficionado, a Cookie Walk planner, a Joy Ringer for the Bell Choir, a member and officer in the United Methodist Women’s group, a beautiful soprano in the choir, and most importantly, an example of faith in action to everyone she came in contact with. 

Ruth loved to play “UNO” or as she called it, “You-Know”, Solitaire, working crossword puzzles, and word searches, and was a pro at Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Ruth’s most enjoyable times were spent with family making apple butter, hosting Sunday evening dinners, traveling to visit family in Iowa, and reminiscing about days gone by. It was always captivating to hear Ruth share stories about her responsibilities at the family home and on the dairy farm during the time when most of her brothers were away at war. 

Ruth always carried a positive outlook on life no matter what she faced. She was comforted and always strived to live by a phrase from her favorite hymn, “It is Well With My Soul.” 

Ruth is survived by sister-in-laws Arlene Hogan and Frankie Jo Hogan, and brother-in-law Richard Smith. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews who were her “children”; Mary Ann Kinder (Chris), Jim Hogan (Gwen), Barb Ebker (Ray), Dick Hogan (Sharon), Connie Flinn (Don), Eileen Rich (Mark), Julie Bullard (Jeff), Don Hogan, Jr. (Doris), Mike Hogan (Janet), Alan Hogan (Linda), Dennis Hogan (Mary Lynn), Kurt Hogan (Gena), Craig Hogan (Julie), Debbie Hogan, Lori Myers (Steve), Eric Smith (Molly), Andrea Lakebrink (Ryan), Clyde Prichard, Jr. (Pam), Vince Prichard (Richele), and Amy Smith (Jeff). At last count, she is also survived by 52 great nieces and nephews and 44 great-great nieces and nephews, as well as countless cousins and friends. 

Visitation for Ruth Hogan will be held on Saturday, August 3, from 9-11 a.m. with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., all at the Pacific Methodist Church.

Interment will be in Pacific City Cemetery, Pacific. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Pacific Methodist Church. 

Arrangements are in the care of Nieburg-Vitt, Thiebes Funeral Home, Pacific.