Virginia Ruth Carpenter

Virginia “Ruth” Carpenter, 84, died on November 14, 2019 at her home in Raytown, MO.  Ruth was born in Birch Tree, MO, to loving parents Ralph and Bessie Templeton. She was one of nine children. Ruth and her family moved to Springfield, MO, during her high school years. Following her high school graduation, Ruth moved to Kansas City, MO, and began her secretarial career.

She met her late husband, Rev. James “Jim” E. Carpenter, at Calvary Baptist Church in Kansas City, where he assisted in teaching with the young adults. Ruth and Jim married May 22, 1954. They were married 58 years until his death. Together they raised 5 children. Ruth loved being a pastor’s wife and mother and she excelled at both.

Ruth held a full-time job as a legal secretary with Lathrop Gage Law Firm (formerly Gage & Tucker) for 30+ years. She was well-loved and admired by her colleagues. For several years following her retirement, she was frequently asked to provide relief work for vacationing staff. Ruth also provided relief secretarial work at her church Spring Valley Baptist Church in Raytown, MO.

But if you knew Ruth, then you know her passion was missions and sharing the Gospel of Christ. Her willingness to serve wherever needed, her love of Jesus and her lovingkindness towards everyone was well known to many throughout her life. Her tireless work through the years with, and for, children impacted innumerable people. Whether through Sunday school classes, Vacation Bible School, nursery work, children’s mission classes, Women’s Missionary Union, youth events, Baptist Children’s Home benefit events or simply helping a family with childcare; Ruth found real joy and purpose in working with children.

In recent years, Ruth had become a staunch advocate and regular volunteer for Restoration House of Greater Kansas City. The Restoration House mission is to bring hope to survivors of human trafficking through love, guidance and the assurance of a long-term home. She was honored to be a part of their team of volunteers and cared deeply for the women she walked alongside.

Ruth loved people and life. She absolutely enjoyed helping, gardening, baking, singing, laughing and tried to never forget to do every little thing to the glory of the One who’d created her. She will be deeply missed by so many.

Survivors include: 5 children, Anne E. Krause (L. Dennis Krause, deceased) of Merriam, KS; Stephen W. Carpenter of Ocean Beach, CA; Susan Beth Piszel (Bruce A. Piszel) of Cleveland Heights, OH; Ralph E. Carpenter (Courtney Carpenter) of Tallahassee, FL; James R. Carpenter (Laurie Carpenter) of Covington, GA. Eleven grandchildren: Daniel Krause, Lydia Krause, Stephen Krause, Nicolas Carpenter, Haley Carpenter, Allison Carpenter, Cameron Carpenter, Jack Carpenter, Ellie Piszel, Charlotte Piszel, Adam Carpenter; 1 great-grandson, Zeke Krause.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Ruth’s name to: Restoration House of Greater Kansas City (www.restorationhousekc.com).

Home-going service for Ruth Carpenter will be Saturday, November 30th at Spring Valley Baptist Church, 8801 E 79 St, Raytown, MO 64138. Visitation 9:00 a.m., service 10:00 a.m. and interment 11:00 a.m. at Green Lawn Cemetery.

Visitation 9AM, service 10AM, Saturday, November 30 at Spring Valley Baptist Church, 8801 E. 79th St.; burial in Green Lawn Cemetery.