Ruth E. Corkran

Ruth Elaine Matthias Corkran, age 87, went home with her Savior on September 8th, 2023, surrounded by her family.  Ruth was born in Atchison, Kansas on November 5th, 1935 the youngest girl in a family of eight children. She learned her good work ethic from her parents, Carl and Mildred Davey Matthias. She graduated from Denton High School at the age of 16.  She was married in 1956 to John Corkran in Champagne, Illinois. They were wed for 55 years, until John’s passing in 2012.

She moved to the Kansas City area as a young teen and worked for the telephone company as an operator. After many years, she transitioned to working at Baptist Hospital on the orthopedic unit as a unit clerk. Through her long time employment at Baptist she held many titles with the final one being Manager of the Staffing Office. Often times it was said she must be hiding a nurse making machine somewhere, as she was always able to adequately staff the units allowing safe patient care. She was very much a part of the family-like culture at Baptist. She mentored and fostered young employees, many of whom thought of her as a second mom. She retired with more than thirty years of service, allowing her more time with her grandchildren, whom she adored.

Ruth and John always made you feel welcome in their home. Together they helped with family in need of a place to stay or perhaps just a few words of wisdom. Ruth and John built a gathering place at their second home at the Lake of the Ozarks. She earned title of Lady of the Lake or Mom, Granny, Gigi, Ma to others. She didn’t know a stranger, in fact embarrassed many family members when you would be shopping with her and she talked to absolutely everyone. She relished in the wellbeing of others, and even when she was ill, she was often making sure others were taken care of and safe.

She was an active member in the Ruskin High School booster club and the Longview YMCA and the Crafty Bunch.

Ruth took a great pride in collecting and organizing the family history. She loved sharing these stories with the younger generation of the family and helped pass on many family traditions. She took great pride in her relationships with her family, many of whom passed before her, including parents, Carl and Mildred Matthias; siblings Naomi Barker, Barbara Thomas, Dave Matthias, Darlene Clough, Betty Moore, and Larry Matthias; she now has the chance to hold her infant daughter Sherrill Corkran and her precious great-granddaughter AnnaRose Corkran.

Ruth is survived by her brother, Garry Matthias; children, Steve (Peggy) Corkran, Sue Corkran, Sharon (Keith) Snow, Scott (Patty) Corkran; 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren; many loving extended family members and friends.

Ruth was an active member of Manna Fellowship Church, and the family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made directly to the church in her memory.

Visitation will be 5-7PM, Friday, September 15 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd., Kansas City, Missouri.  Funeral services will be 10AM, Saturday, September 16 at Manna Fellowship, 17617 S. Rte. 291 Highway, Pleasant Hill, Missouri; burial in Green Lawn Cemetery.