Ruth Ann Hawkins

Ruth Ann “Soozi” Hawkins, 93, passed away after a short illness on February 20th, 2024 at Sylvia G Thompson Residence Center, in Sedalia, MO. 

Ruth Ann was born on August 12, 1930 in Kansas City, MO to Lyman Cordes Keuper and Ruth Boggess Keuper of Sedalia, who owned and operated the Wheel Inn Drive In. She grew up on South Barrett Avenue and attended Smith Cotton High School, where she graduated in the class of 1948. She attended Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg, MO and worked at Lockett’s department store in Sedalia before marrying her sweetheart Jack Marvin Hawkins on September 27th, 1950. 

Ruth Ann and Jack took over the Wheel Inn from her parents in 1952, after Jack’s return from the Korean War. While the Guberburger and “Soozie-Q” curly fries remained bestsellers, Ruth Ann’s famous chili was a local favorite. 

Ruth Ann and Jack’s son Keith was born in 1954, and Jack Lyman followed in 1960. They built a house on Hickory Lane in 1965, and Ruth Ann enjoyed tending her garden and hosting neighbors and friends. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren, loved the color red, and had four beloved dachshunds over the years. The Hawkins were able to retire in 1988 and traveled widely, from California and Florida to Hawaii and even Australia. They enjoyed weekends fishing at Bennett Spring State Park and Christmases with all their family and friends around them. 

Ruth Ann is survived by her sons Keith Hawkins (Rick Barron), and Jack Lyman Hawkins (Lyn Hawkins), and her grandchildren David Conley Hawkins (Darby Hillman), and Anna Hawkins Hayes (Patrick Hayes). Ruth Ann, or “Momma Hawk,” as many of her children’s friends knew her, was a beloved mother, grandmother, and member of her community. She worked hard, both at home and at the Wheel Inn, and made sure those around her were well taken care of. 

The Hawkins family would like to thank all those in the community for the care and support given in her final years. She will be dearly missed. 

Her family will celebrate her life privately. Sympathies may be expressed through Heckert Funeral Home.