RUTH LOUISE (HANKS) GAULDIN

Ruth Louise (Hanks) Gauldin, a lifelong resident of Willow Springs, passed away Monday, November 1, 2021 while at Willow Care Nursing Home. She was born October 31, 1928 to Clyde and Ruby Hanks in Howell County. She was 93 years old.

Louise married Claude Leroy (Butch) Gauldin on April 21, 1953 in West Plains, MO and they enjoyed 66 years together. They loved and raised 5 children: Rhonda Gately and her husband, Dean of Edgar Springs, MO; Leroy Gauldin and his wife, Debbie of Willow Springs; Vicki Kanne of Marionville, MO; Nita Ray of Rolla, MO; and Gwen Parker of Edgar Springs. She also loved her 9 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She is further survived by her sister, Mildred Simkins of Springfield, MO.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sister, Mary Poppitz; two brothers: Neil Hanks and Rex Hanks; son-in-law, Kenneth Parker; sister-in-law, Helen Hanks; 3 nephews and 1 niece.

She was very thoughtful, loving, and had a heart full of sweetness for everyone. She had many interests in life. She was an accomplished seamstress who made all the clothing for her children and many for her grandchildren as well. She enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing softball, gardening, and canning. She also loved playing cards, especially "Pitch." She was also well-known for selling Avon for over 35 years, making many friends, and making all the women in the area feel pretty. Her children were blessed with a stay-at-home mom who was always there for them and for which they are still grateful. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Willow Springs and loved teaching Sunday School to children. She felt it was very important for her children as well as those she taught to know about Jesus. She will be dearly missed by her family, her friends, and all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in her memory to the Benevolence Fund at First Baptist Church, which may be left at the church or the funeral home.

A funeral service for Louise Gauldin will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021 at the First Baptist Church at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Joel Hinds officiating. Interment will follow at the Willow Springs City Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com