Mary Ruth Moon

Mary Ruth Moon of Farmington passed away on Saturday, February 12, 2011, at the age of 78 years. She was born on March 17, 1932, in St. Francois County, daughter of the late Harold Bernus and Gertie Leota (Gregory) Rickard. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a son, Leo Stephen Nicholson in 1986. A life-long resident of the Farmington area, Mary Ruth was a well known business woman, community activist, and held many posts in numerous organizations and foundations. Before her retirement in 1995, she owned and operated the Missouri Beauty Academy for 33 years and was a member of the National Hairstylist Assn. and a past Board Member of the State Board of Cosmetology. She was a faithful member of the First Free Will Baptist Church of Farmington. She was president of the St. Francois County Historical Society, a post she has held for a number of years. She was a past president of the Farmington Rotary Club, where she was a Paul Harris Fellow. Mary Ruth served as a past president of the Business and Professional Women organization, and also was selected as Woman of the Year. She had served as chairman of the Long Memorial Hall Restoration Committee and helped stage two Broadway shows at the Hall, South Pacific, and Annie Get Your Gun. She had been a member of the committee that produced the history book that celebrated the 200th anniversary of the City of Farmington. She was active in the Monday Club, the Mineral Area Art Guild, the Foundation for the Restoration of Ste. Genevieve, the East Ozarks Audubon Society and the Womens Christian Connection. Mary Ruth was Chairman of the City of Farmingtons Board of Adjustment. She had also served on the 50th Anniversary High School Homecoming Committee and the Downtown Farmington organization. She had been a volunteer receptionist at the MAC Tourist Center and at the Parkland Hospital gift shop. In her spare time she enjoyed collecting dolls, playing the piano, working on her garden and lawn, antiquing, fishing and participating in area arts activities. She was also known for her vast collection of hats and hair bows, which was her signature style. Mary is survived by a daughter, Debbie Barton (Mrs. Mark) Smith of Farmington; a son, Scott Alan Barton and his wife Sherrie, of Ste. Genevieve; five grandchildren, Crystal Young, Stephanie Klouser, Aaron Smith, Nathan Smith and Sarah Barton Shurtleff; three great-grandchildren, Taylor Smith and Nicole and Luke Young; two sisters, Esta Lea Cissell of Farmington; a foster sister, Luann Howard (George) of Bonne Terre; a special friend, Bob Downs and a host of nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their gratitude to those who have shown kindness through their thoughts, prayers, words or deeds during this difficult time. Friends may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 3 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, February 16. Visitation will resume Thursday morning from 7 a.m. until noon, to be followed by the funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. at the First Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. Roger Hogan officiating. Interment will be at Pleasant Hill United Baptist Church Cemetery in Ste. Genevieve County. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. View the Tribute Video and share your condolences and memories at cozean.biz.