Ruth M. Murray

Ruth M. Murray, 65, of Connersville, died Monday evening, December 26, 2011, at her residence. Ruth was born July 28, 1946 in Laurel, one of ten children of Elijah and Lillian Richmond Pursiful. Throughout her life, she helped take care of others and retired in 2007 from the dietary department at Flatrock River Lodge Care Center, Rushville. Ruth never seemed to meet a stranger and enjoyed playing bingo at the Fayette County Senior Center, cooking and reading. She also liked to watch television and tried not to miss ‘The Price Is Right’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune.’ Ruth is survived by four children and their spouses: Bertha Frasher, Joseph V. Sparks and Angie, all of Connersville; Lillian M. Cruser and Jeffrey of Greensburg, David M. Sparks of Connersville; two step-children and their spouses: Sheldon Sparks and Marnita of Milroy, Helen Foreman and Ray of Rushviille; three sisters and their husbands: Louise Peters and Chris of Laurel, Dora Smothers and Mike of Williamstown, Clora Buchanan and Steve of Connersville; four brothers and their wives: Charles Pursiful and Wanda of Greensburg, Tim Pursiful, Roger Pursiful and Sue, Albert Pursiful, all of Laurel; nineteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Ruth is preceded in death by her husband: Joseph Sparks, who died in 1976; her daughter: Tina Horn; two brothers: Carlos and Saul Pursiful. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with Pastor Phil Marcum of the Church of Salvation, officiating. Interment will follow in Laurel North Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to help defray funeral costs. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.