Ruth Eileen Hornbuckle was born on December 24, 1908 in Fillmore, Missouri to Elmer and Bessie (Davison) Matlock. She peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at her home in Shenandoah, Iowa. Ruth had attained the age of 99 years, 7 months and 30 days.

Her early years were spent in the Fillmore and Clearmont, Missouri area. Her father owned the General Store in Clearmont. Due to her mother's death, Ruth took care of her father for two years after graduating from high school before continuing her education.

She attended and graduated from Northwest Missouri State College in 1932. Earlier, on January 23 of that year, she eloped with Glen C. Hornbuckle, her high school sweetheart, to Kansas. After her graduation, they lived in Fillmore, then Barnard, Missouri, where Glen was superintendent of schools.

The family moved to Iowa in 1940. First in Braddyville, then on to Henderson, Essex, Anita and Corning. Ruth was a church choir leader, and volunteered to teach high school vocal music and physical education in the early years of their marriage. She taught country school in the Anita area, and upper elementary children in Essex and Corning. She loved teaching geography and history. She retired after 22 years of teaching in 1972, and moved to Shenandoah with her husband Glen.

Ruth was a member of the Shenandoah First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Order of Eastern Star, Altrusa Club, Business and Professional Women, and the Hospital Auxiliary. She loved to travel, and made many meandering trips throughout the United States and to several foreign countries. She enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels from her window. She liked to entertain friends and family. But, most of all, she loved her family.

Preceding her in death were her parents and her husband. Ruth is survived by three sons: G. Conrad and wife Mary of Oklahoma City, OK, C. E. and wife Carol of Shenandoah, IA, and Carroll and wife Terry of Newton, IA; her grandchildren: Keri Hornbuckle and Mike Cervantes of Iowa City, IA, Gavin Hornbuckle of Phoenix, AZ, Brian and Jalene Hornbuckle of Nevada, IA, Amanda and Kevin Humiston of Liberty, MO, Aaron and Emily Hornbuckle of Ames, IA, Leigh Hornbuckle of Newton, IA, and Cole Hornbuckle of Des Moines, IA; her great grandchildren: Leiden Cervantes and Franklin Hornbuckle, Amaris, Malachi and Eliana Hornbuckle and Megan Humiston. She is also survived by three AFS grandchildren: Masaru Nagayasu, Lise Rypestol Holth and Mayumi Dobashi; her extended family includes her caregivers: Charlene Bisbee, Marcia Broyles, Donna Carpenter, Sylvia Hammond, Margaret Moony, Evelyn Schuelzky and Carolyn Smith.

A celebration of life memorial service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given by Rev. Rick Sleyster. Organist was Becky Hoenshel. The congregation sang, "In The Garden" and "How Great Thou Art". Attending the register book were Muriel Baldwin and Jan Billings. Ushers were Bob Burchett and Bob Norris. Casket bearers were Keri Hornbuckle Cervantes, Gavin Hornbuckle, Brian Hornbuckle, Amanda Hornbuckle Humiston, Aaron Hornbuckle, Leigh Hornbuckle and Cole Hornbuckle. A private family graveside committal service took place prior to the memorial service Wednesday morning at the Rose Hill Cemetery. Memorials in Ruth's name are being directed to the First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah was in charge of the arrangements.