Ruth Ann Ivan

Ruth Ann Ivan December 20, 1936-April 9, 2013 Ruthie passed away at the Kansas City Hospice House after a brief courageous fight against pancreatic cancer. For forty years prior to her retirement in 2008, Ruthie, who was also known by her family and friends at "Kitty", was a successful business woman operating Ruthie's Keyhole in Mission from the late 1960s and for 25 years was part owner and operator of the Clarette Club, both in Mission, and for 30 years Ms. Kitty's on Merriam Lane in Kansas City, Kansas. Prior to her marriage to John Ivan on May 1, 1993, many of her old customers knew her as Ruthie Steele. Ruthie enjoyed the friendship and respect of virtually thousands of customers not only in the Mission and Kansas City, Kansas businesses but in many other business pursuits over the years. Ruthie was born on a farm near Everton, Missouri to Marvin and Reta "Hankins" Garton and attended school in Halltown and Miller, Missouri. Ruthie was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Linda Steele, and her brothers Jerry L. Garton and Charles Garton. Ruthie is survived by her husband, John Ivan, of the home and her sons, Michael Steele and Woodrow Steele and her step-daughter, Dr. Laura Ivan. Ruthie also is survived by her grandsons Josh, Travis and Justin Steele and a granddaughter, Katie Steele. Since her retirement, she has especially enjoyed her loving relationship with her two great-granddaughters, Kaylee Steele and Cierra Steele. Ruthie also is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Mary E. and Marion Morris of Shawnee Mission and her sister-in-law, Elaine Garton of Springfield, Missouri, with whom she maintained a close and loving relationship. Ruthie also leaves behind a family of nieces and nephews and family and friends who will greatly miss her helpful influence and loyal friendship. A memorial service will be held at Maple Hill Funeral Home at 3300 Shawnee Drive, Kansas City, KS 66106, on April 12, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. with a visitation one hour prior at 6:00 P.M. The family wishes to thank Ruthie's long time friends Connie Jones and Carol Gochenour for their compassion and assistance during final illness, along with many others who gave her support and consolation. The family suggests contributions in lieu of flowers to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care at 9221 Ward Parkway Ste: 100, Kansas City, MO 64114 where she received wonderful care. To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.maplehillfuneralhome.com.

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Ruth Ann Ivan

December 20, 1936 - April 9, 2013