VERGENNES - Ruth M. Barber, 87, of St. Peters, Missouri, passed away at 2:50 am, Sunday, January 19, 2014 at the St. Peters Manor, St. Peters, Missouri. Ruth was born in Vergennes, Illinois on August 29, 1926, the daughter of Ernest P. and Edna C. Higgerson Weil. She married James N. Barber on June 30, 1946 in St. Louis, MO. Ruth was a retired beautician and a member of the First Baptist Church in Sikeston, MO. Ruth is survived by her husband, James N. Barber of St. Peters, MO; one daughter, Janet (Robert) Bennett of St. Peters, MO; and one sister, Shirley McDerman of Golconda, IL. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and one sister. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, January 23, 2014 at the Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava, Illinois with Rev. William Stoklosa officiating. Burial will follow in Ava Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call from Noon until 1:00 pm Thursday. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association.