LaRayna Kay Ruddle, 82, Barnhart, passed away Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis.
She was born Jan. 17, 1938, to William and Mabel (Rogers) Gawer, in Belle.
She was first married to William Clapper in Jefferson City and he preceded her in death. She then married Richard Ruddle, Feb. 14, 2003, in Arnold.
LaRayna was a member of First Baptist Church of Festus-Crystal City. She was a school teacher for public schools but had also retired from St. Louis Children’s Hospital as administrative secretary for the director of finance. She was a member of a gospel singing ensemble, “Joyful Sound” doing performances at local events and nursing homes, was a dramatics coach producing skits and plays for her church at Windsor Baptist Church in Imperial.
She was preceded in death by parents, William and Mabel; first husband, William; and sons, Mark and Michael Clapper.
She is survived by husband, Richard, of the home; son, Phillip Clapper of Richmond, Va.; stepson, Scott Ruddle and wife Kelli of St. Louis; stepdaughters, Kelly Guiney and husband John of Fenton, Laura Housewright and husband Matthew of Fenton and Lisa Yount and husband Paul of Cedar Hill; sister, Glenda Sullivan and husband Vernon of Arnold; and nine grandchildren.
Visitation will be on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 9-11 a.m. at Gottenstroeter Chapel in Owensville.
Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the Chapel with Rev. Kevin Sullivan officiating. Burial will be in Owensville City Cemetery.
Masks are suggested but not mandatory.
