Joyce Mehl

J. Ruth Mehl, 85, of Coffeyville formerly of rural Dearing, Kansas passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Gran Villas Coffeyville on 8th.

She was born on September 26, 1940, in Commerce, Oklahoma to William D. and Jane (Crites) Weathers. Her family relocated to South Coffeyville, Oklahoma, as a child, where she attended school and graduated from Lenapah High School in Lenapah, Oklahoma. She later graduated with an associate degree in accounting from Coffeyville Community College.

On July 3, 1957, she married George A. Mehl at the Pentecostal Church in South Coffeyville. Following their marriage they lived in South Coffeyville, before moving to Wichita, Kansas in 1959, and settled on their farm northwest of Dearing, Kansas in 1962.

Ruth's professional history is marked by a commitment to excellence. She worked in the accounting and financial departments at Union Gas and Western Publishing, before moving to the Corporate Office of Medicalodges Inc. in Coffeyville. She served the company for an impressive 22 years before retiring in 2005. Outside of work, Ruth was deeply involved in her community. She was active with the Boy and Girl Scouts when her children were young, served in various offices in the Dearing School PTA and on the Coffeyville PTA Council from which she received a Life Membership. Ruth was an active participant on the Medicalodges Relay for Life team, serving several years as secretary. Her religious life was equally active, having taught Sunday School and been a Vacation Bible School teacher.

Ruth lived a full and vibrant life, but what mattered most to her was her family. She leaves behind her loving children: Kathy Fogle, Anita (Troy) O'Brien, George (Dr. Elena) Jr., and Roger Mehl. She also leaves a legacy in her twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, William and Jane Weathers, her five brothers, and her five sisters.

Following Ruth’s wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home. A Memorial service celebrating Ruth’s life will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 2:00 pm CST at Veteran's Memorial Patio at Fairview Cemetery, 2602 Woodland Ave. in Coffeyville with her niece Pastor Jeannie Harrington officiating.

To leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com.

David W. Barnes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.