Ruth Carolyn Johnson Ashworth

Ruth Carolyn Johnson Ashworth, 85, of Cairo, died Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her family. 

She was born on Jan. 24, 1940, at St. Mary’s Hospital, the daughter of Walter and Ruth Goins Johnson of Cairo.

Her education was from Elmwood School, Junior High School and Cairo High School. 

After graduation, Ruth married Billy Shelton Ashworth on Feb. 27, 1960, at the First Memorial Methodist Church in Cairo. They were married for 56 years until his passing on Aug. 23, 2016.

After graduation, she worked for The Brokerage, becoming manager in 1962. She retired in 1964 to raise a family. Then in 1991, she began working at the county clerk’s office for Sue Harrington. In 1993, she went to work for the City of Cairo under Mayor James Wilson and Brenda Miller as clerk. She worked under Mayors James Wilson, Paul Farris, Judson Childs and Tyrone Coleman. She enjoyed meeting people. After retirement, she worked part-time.

She enjoyed sewing, quilting, knitting, scrapbooking, not to mention working on the all Cairo High School class reunions. She kept in touch with many special classmates.

She leaves behind her daughter, Amy Ann Ashworth Conaway of Charleston, Mo.; one granddaughter, Claire Elise Conaway; one brother-in-law, Ronnie (Marilyn) Ashworth of Jackson, Mo.; one cousin, Aleshia Cron of Paducah, Ky.; Spencer Newton, who called her Granny Ruth; son-in-law Deron Conaway; special caregivers Ryan and Samantha Mills, David Brown, Jody Pruett and Joyce Cassey, all of whom became family members to her as well.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her infant son, Derrin Ashworth.

A private graveside burial will be held at Green Lawn Memorial Gardens in Villa Ridge, with Mary Helen Wissinger officiating.

Memorials can be made to the Cairo Public Library. 

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.

Crain Funeral Home in Cairo is in charge of arrangements.