Ruth Ann Koons

Ruth Ann Koons, 89, of Washburn passed away Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 at Roaring River Health and Rehab in Cassville.
She was born Jan. 3, 1937 in Columbus, Ohio, the daughter of Loretta Dean. In June 1977 in Columbus, she was united in marriage to James Earl Koons, who preceded her in death on Feb. 9, 1996. Also preceding her in death were her mother, Loretta Dean; brother James William Dean; granddaughter Amber Bee and great-grandson Michael James Rogers.
Surviving are her son David Penton, of Ohio; daughter Patricia Simmons and husband Stephen, of Washburn; two grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
She grew up and attended school in Columbus, Ohio graduating from Central High School. Considered a telephone pioneer, she was employed by Ohio Bell as a drafting engineer, retiring after 30 years of service. After moving from Ohio in 1996 she lived in Arkansas and then moved to Washburn where she had lived for 17 years. She was a member of Mission Baptist Church.
Private services will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.
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