Mary Ruth Dalton

Mary Ruth Dalton, 87, of Sedalia, passed away Monday, July 31, 2023 at her home.

She was born June 10, 1936, in Sedalia, daughter of the late Relaford W. and Lowell Garnet (Thurman) Klein. On July 3, 1981, she married Forrest A. Dalton who preceded her in death on April 11, 2009.

Mary earned her Licensed Practical Nursing degree in 1967 while living in California. When she returned to Sedalia, she worked at Bothwell Regional Health Center until her retirement. She was also a farmer and had a cattle ranch that she ran with her husband.

Mary raised four daughters and three nieces. She loved all animals.

Survivors include three daughters, Deborah Lynn Rugen and Tammie Crafton, both of TX, and Barbara Cooke, of Mora; three step-children, Zetta Albertson and Randall Dalton, both of Sedalia, and Vivian Murphy, of Jefferson City; six grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and eight step-great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Williams; a stepson, Karl Dalton; a granddaughter, Andrea Lopez; a grandson, Eugene Williams; and a great-great grandson, Julian Muntean.

Funeral service will be 1:00 pm, Friday, August 4, 2023 at Heckart Funeral Home.

Visitation will be 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm, Thursday, August 3, 2023 at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of Heckart Funeral Home.