Ruth Evelyn (Neill) Reaves
October 27, 1930 ~ January 19, 2022

Ruth Evelyn (Neill) Reaves, 91, formerly of Bridgeton, Missouri passed away with family by her side in Belleville, Illinois.

Ruth was born on October 27, 1930 in Buffalo, Missouri, the third eldest of six children, to Argus Dee Neill and Gladys Hazel (Gregg) Neill.  She cherished growing up on the Buffalo family farm in Southwest Missouri.  She is a Buffalo High School Graduate.  Ruth received her Bachelor of Science in Education with double majors in Physical Education and Art from Southwest Missouri State University.  She was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority and Modern Dance Company.  Ruth taught in the Springfield Public Schools for two years. In 1955, Ruth married Rhoderick P. Reaves, a graduate of Southwest Missouri State.  She taught in Puerto Rico for two years when her husband was stationed there during the Korean War.  They moved back to Missouri where she taught and coached at Portageville High School.  In 1960, they moved to St. Louis and later settled in Bridgeton, Missouri.  Ruth is a retired educator and coach that served many school districts in the St. Louis area (Hazelwood, Pattonville, and Ritenour).  She was a longtime member of Marvin Park United Methodist Church and a current member of Arlington United Methodist Church in Bridgeton, Missouri.  Her passions were her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, art, dance, community sports, and St. Louis teams.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years Rhoderick P. Reaves, her parents Gladys and Dee Neill, her sisters Vivian DeGraffenreid and Virginia Sue Davis, her brothers Richard Neill and Faris Neill.

Ruth is survived by her daughters Lieschen Fink (Doug) of Bridgeton, Missouri, Melinda Walker (Ken) of Belleville, Illinois and Robin DiTrolio (Tony) of Rogersville, Missouri, her sister Mary Lou Duckworth of Grand Junction, Colorado, nine grandchildren Victor Fink (Kristine), Vincent Fink, Lindsay Fink, Sarah Walker, Rachel Rowen (Chris), Daniel Walker, Taylor DiTrolio, Alexa DiTrolio, Reagan DiTrolio, two great-grandchildren Emily and Max Fink, and four nieces and one nephew.

Collier's Funeral Home of Bridgeton, Missouri will transport Ruth to her hometown of Buffalo, Missouri. A Graveside Service will be on January 29, 2022, 1:00 PM at Maple Lawn Cemetery, 303 Maple Street, Buffalo, Missouri 65622.   A Celebration of Life for Ruth will be held in Bridgeton, Missouri at a later date, TBA.

Memorials to honor Ruth's life can be sent to the following non-profit organizations:  Arlington United Methodist Church, 3770 McKelvey Road, Bridgeton, Missouri 63044, Loaves and Fishes, 2750 McKelvey Road, Maryland Heights, Missouri 63043 or Family Hospice of Belleville, 5110 W Main Street, Belleville, Illinois 62226.