JOHNNIE RUTH MATNEY, 77, of Springfield, Mo., died Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006, at St. John s Hospital in Springfield.

Ruth was born on May 23, 1929, in Berryville to Charles and Mary Ellen (Downs) Phillips.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Joy Dale Youngblood and Marvin Edward Matney. She was of the Baptist faith and attended the First General Baptist Church in Springfield. She was employed by St. John s Hospital as an activities therapist at the Marian Center in Springfield.

Surviving is her son, Roger Dale Youngblood and wife Mary Lou of Springfield; daughters Judy Ellen Bastion and husband Charles of Clever, Mo., and Lori Pounders of Springfield; three brothers, Joe Phillips of Marionville, Kenneth Phillips and wife Lucille of Raytown, Mo., and Don Phillips and wife Elaine of Berryville; five grandchildren, Kristi Terry and husband Dennie, Angela Pollard and husband Brad, Tyler Pounders, Sandra Youngblood and companion Jim Wray, and Carl Youngblood; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Ruth was also preceded in death by two brothers, Veatus and Ed Phillips and a sisteer, Wanda Kisner.

Graveside services were held Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006, at the Berryville Cemetery.