Ruth Ellen “Ruthie” Donley (née Mills), 86, passed away on February 17, 2025, in Branson, Missouri. Born on May 23, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, Ruthie lived a full and vibrant life, touching the hearts of all who knew her.

She attended James A. Garfield High School in East Los Angeles before embarking on a diverse career and life. It was there she met her first husband, Kenneth David Phipps, who was the father of her three children. Although they divorced, and remarried, they remained friends and people would always remark on them being able to get together for family functions and events.

She was also married to John “Jack” Donley for 30 years. They lived in Southern California before moving to MO 22+ years ago. He introduced her to golf, which she enjoyed playing for many years. He was a wonderful husband and companion.

After Jack passed, Ruth met Larry Taylor. They were together for almost 12 years. He did so much to care for mom in her later years, when she needed more assistance with running their home. We, her family, will be forever grateful to him for the care he gave her.

Ruth worked in real estate for a time and spent years employed in the retail industry. She worked at Wig Bars in May Company, in the Garment District of Los Angeles, and as a Vice President for Papel. She was also a General Manager for a Hallmark store, Kitchen Company, and did a couple of other ventures. She was one of the first home workers at least 30 years ago; long before it became the norm of today.  Her passion for retail kept her engaged for many years.

Ruth was a woman of boundless energy and enthusiasm. She was an avid golfer and played with the 9er’s Women’s Golf Group for many years. She also cherished her time playing Skip-Bo with the ladies of Stonebridge. She was very active in her Stonebridge Community, and really enjoyed living there. In her younger years, she had a love for travel, especially to visit her new grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved them so much and was always so proud of their achievements.

Above all else, Ruth loved her family deeply. She is survived by her devoted husband, Larry Taylor; her children, David (Angela) Phipps and Laurie (Rene’) Larricq; grandchildren Zach (Valerie) Burkett, Cory (Laura) Burkett, Daniel Burkett, Craig Phipps, Jett Phipps, Brittany Moreno, and Kailee (Michael) Hatcher; six great-grandsons; five great-granddaughters; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends. Her best and oldest friend, Karen, remained a cherished presence in her life. A special thank you to Don and Sarita Haberlein and Gene and Kim Phipps for their support through this tough time as well as Pastor Dave Hamner for his love and support.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Craig Mills and Josephine Ferne Klein Mills; her son Michael Craig Phipps; her husband John Paul Donley; and her sister Janice Irene Mills.

Ruth’s warmth and wisdom left an indelible mark on those around her. She had an infectious smile that could light up any room and a wealth of knowledge that she generously shared with those she loved. Always encouraging and full of good advice, she was a source of strength and guidance to many.

A memorial service to honor Ruth’s life will be held on February 28, 2025, at Greenlawn Funeral Home, located at 708 State Highway 248 in Branson, Missouri. Interment will be at Yocum Pond Cemetery, Reed Springs, MO.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society; as mom was a 42 year survivor of Breast Cancer.

Her family will forever cherish the memories they shared with their beloved Mother, Grandmother, Wife, and Friend. Ruth lived a great life—one filled with love, laughter, and unwavering spirit—and she will live forever in the hearts of those who knew her.