Monta C. "Mona" (McPherson) Ruiz

Monta C. “Mona” (McPherson) Ruiz, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, went to be with Jesus on July 10, 2025 at the Hospice House in Olathe, KS, after eight months of declining health. She was 80 years old. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, who will forever cherish her warmth, strength, and love.

Mona was born on March 9, 1945 in Asher, OK to her parents Ona Lewis and Grace Okla (Cooper) McPherson. Mona was named after one of her sister Frances’ childhood friends. She grew up and attended school in Barnsdall, OK, Moore, OK and Burrton, KS. She worked at Continental Can Co in Lenexa, KS for 38 years until her retirement and was the first female lead line mechanic and taught classes to women. Mona raised her six children in Olathe, KS and resided in Spring Hill, KS until her passing.

Mona loved taking her family on vacations when they were young and loved taking road trips often with her sister, children and grandchildren to Oklahoma to visit family cemeteries and exploring the back roads with her paper road maps. She also loved spending time at casinos with her sisters, Frances and Mary, and learning genealogy with her sister Frances. She enjoyed going to tea rooms with her family at the Lake of the Ozarks and having family gatherings for holidays and birthdays. She enjoyed attending exercise classes and was a former member of the Red Hat Society. Most of all, she loved God, attending church faithfully, and reading her devotional every day. She attended Antioch Baptist Church in Spring Hill, KS. Her favorite bible verses were Isaiah 53:6, John 14:1, and John 3:16-18.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ona Lewis McPherson, Jr., sisters Mary McPherson Ledesma and Frances Jones, daughter Tammy Sue White, infant grandson Anthony Chirstopher Macias, and granddaughter Esmeralda Hernandez.

Mona is survived by her children: LeEtta Wilson (Russel) of Wellsville, KS, Richard Truitt, Jr (Rhonda) of Spring Hill, KS, Carol Hernandez of Kansas City, KS, Christopher Beasley (Malinda) of Spring Hill, KS, Michael Moles (Rebecca) of Olathe, KS; 14 grandchildren: Rachel Davis, Danielle Julliano, Aaron Ayers, Kristen Lowery, Melissa Macias, Tara Burgat, Dustin Truitt, Amber Knox, Ashley Carlson, Devin Gaston, Cody Beasley, Jacey Chaffey, Alene Moles, Quinn Moles; and 29 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at the Dengel & Son Mortuary in Paola, KS from 10:00 am – 11:00 am, with service to follow at 11:00 am.

A family graveside service and internment will be held at Wanette Cemetery in Wanette, OK on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 2:00 pm.