Ruth Ella (Detherow) Kroft

Ruth Ella (Detherow) Kroft, age 96, passed away peacefully at her home in Whetstone, Arizona on Monday, January 6th, 2025, with family by her side.

Ruth was born in Cave City, Arkansas on June 16th,1928 to William A. Detherow and Bertha Opal (Ward) Detherow. She had an older sister, Ethel Willene "Billie Jean" (Detherow) Applen. Ruth graduated from Cave City High School. After high school, Ruth began working at St. Vincent’s/Missouri Pacific Hospitals. She took dictation and shorthand for the doctors and occasionally, the coroners, too. One of the big perks working at the Missouri Pacific Hospital was being able to ride the trains for free on her days off.

Ruth and her friends met a lot of interesting characters, including a young Elvis Presley, on their train trips. It was while visiting a friend in the hospital that Ruth met a young man in uniform who quickly stole her heart. Ruth and Mickey (Robert A. Kroft) were married on October 8th, 1953. Mickey's military postings took the family from Arkansas to New Jersey and, finally, to Arizona. During these years, Ruth and Mickey welcomed four children: Donna, Mike, Karen, and Norman.

Ruth worked as an office manager for Dr. David Glow in Sierra Vista for many years. She and Mickey also owned and operated R & M Cinema in Sierra Vista from 1977 to 2006. She enjoyed getting to know so many people in the area. Between the children’s activities, her job, the theater, and, of course, Mickey, there always seemed to be somebody she knew. She will be dearly missed by all who had the good fortune to know her.

Ruth is preceded in death by her father (Wm. A. Detherow), her mother (Bertha Opal Ward Detherow Cash), her stepfather (Louis E. Cash), her sister (Ethel Willene "Billi Jean" Detherow Applen), and her beloved husband, Mickey (Robert A. Kroft).

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Donna (Roy) Sands, Whetstone, AZ., Mike (Debbie) Kroft, Sierra Vista, AZ., Karen (Alan) Tharp, Willard, MO., and Norman (Leann) Kroft, Kansas City, MO., as well as 10 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jensen's Sierra Vista Mortuary, Sierra Vista, Arizona. Cremation will take place and Ruth will be interred at the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery with Mickey, the love of her life. A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a memorial donation to the Make A Wish Foundation or the charity of your choice.

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