Melba Ruth Jackson passed away in Troy, Missouri on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at the age of 92 years, 4 months and 4 days.  She was born in Parma, MO on Dec. 31, 1930 to Lloyd and Opal (Pankey) Crafton.  She started school at the age of 5, but during 8th grade, her mother got ill and Ruth had to drop out to take care of her siblings.

While living on a small cotton farm in Southeast MO, Ruth met her future husband, Bill S. Jackson and married on Oct. 18, 1947.  Over the next five years, three sons were born:  Billy Arnold, Gary Wayne and Robert Darrell.  The couple moved to Troy in the fall of 1966.  They began new lives far from the cotton fields, where they started new, successful lives.

Ruth began working at the McDonnell-Douglas Corp. where she assembled electronic circuit boards for military weapons.  Long before and during retirement, she spent the majority of her time quilting, crocheting and cross-stitching.  Ruth loved to share her quilted heirlooms with her extended families.  Ruth and Bill enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, camping and playing card games with their great friends.

Ruth is survived by her loving children: Bill Jackson of Troy, Gary and wife Mary Jackson of Troy, Bob and wife Nancy Jackson of Troy; her six adoring grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews of many generations.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Jackson; her daughter-in-law, LaVerta Jackson; and her seven siblings.

Visitation scheduled from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1304 Boone St., Troy, MO 63379  (636) 528-8244

A Funeral service to follow at 1p.m. on Sat., May 13, 2023 at the McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory, Troy location.  Rev. Jane Kelley to officiate.

Interment to follow in Troy City Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, c/o the funeral home.

Family and friends are invited to sign our online guest registry at: www.mccoyblossomfh.com