Ann Ruth (Worland) Pemberton

Bernetta “Ann” Pemberton, age 93, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Sunday, June 11, 2023, at Bickford Cottage in Quincy, Illinois.

Ann was born on October 1, 1929, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, the daughter of Roy and Hester Livenspargar Worland.  She married H.I. Ruth on August 10, 1952 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.  He preceded her in death on January 15, 1979.  She married Murl Pemberton on December 28, 1981. He preceded her in death in 2001.

Ann was centered by her lifelong vocation of education. She attended the University of Missouri, Texas Women’s University, received her undergraduate’s degree from George Washington University, and her master’s degree from Webster University. In her career she taught children, whatever their needs or gifts. She ended her career as a parochial school principal.

She shared her interest and talents in the fine arts with her family, community, and in her classrooms. Her gift for language enriched her life and enabled her to have a story, whenever she thought it was needed. Conversation was essential to her; those who shared a talk with her were usually left with an impression.

She was steadfast in her Christian faith and in her character. We are grateful to be beneficiaries of her life and especially her love.

The family wants to thank Blessing Hospice and specifically the staff at Bickford of Quincy for the supportive and loving care they provided.

Survivors include two children, Dr. Harry (Jenny) Ruth of Quincy, IL, and Harriet (Dr. Michael) Shepard of Poplar Bluff, MO; four grandchildren, Dr. Kelly (Dr. Steve) Dove of Nixa, MO, Dr. Greg (Dr. Courtney) Ruth of Houston, TX, Elizabeth (Seth) Campbell, of Quincy, and Stephen (Christine) Stout of Kansas City, MO; and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husbands, Ann was preceded in death by her parents, and a daughter, Jennie Mayre Stout.

Visitation:  11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Services:  12:00 pm Memorial Mass on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Daniel Robles officiating.

Inurnment: Poplar Bluff City Cemetery, Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Memorial donations may be made to Sacred Heart School (Poplar Bluff, MO), the Poplar Bluff Public Library, the Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association (QSOA), or the Quincy Community Theatre (QCT).

Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Bernetta Ann Pemberton.