Alma Ruth (Owens) Ashcraft

Alma Ruth Ashcraft, 76, of Jackson passed away April 18, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis with her family by her bedside. She had courageously endured kidney dialysis for the past 13 years. She never complained and even on her worst day, she greeted friends, doctors, nurses, and loved ones with a big smile.

Alma was born May 30, 1948, in East Prairie, Missouri, daughter to Charles and Marie Smith Owens.  She was a graduate of Charleston High School.   She married her high school sweetheart, Gary W. Ashcraft, on June 28, 1966, at the Church of God in East Prairie, Missouri.   Four children were born to their union.  Alma was a brave and loving military wife and mother.   She and Gary were members of the First Baptist Church in Jackson.

Alma loved listening to oldies music, reading, baking desserts for her family, and enjoying time outside on her deck.  She had always dreamed of being a teacher. During Gary’s military career, Alma taught preschool for many years at the child development center at the Cherry Point Naval Air Station and kindergarten at Annunciation Catholic School in Havelock, NC.

Alma was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by her devoted husband of 58 years; her children, Nikki Ashcraft and husband Gary Pearce of Columbia, James Ashcraft of Cape Girardeau, Jessica Ashcraft of Cape Girardeau, and Heather Reneh Bretzger of North Carolina; three grandchildren, Xander, Mazikeen, and  Zayden Bretzger; two sisters, Wilma Bradham of Benton, and Margie Smithson and husband Harry of Oklahoma; as well as her Ashcraft family. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, and six brothers.

A private graveside service, officiated by Pastor Martin Lucas, will be held at Dogwood Cemetery in East Prairie, Missouri, on April 21, 2025, with arrangements by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson, Missouri.

The family suggests memorials be made to First Baptist Church, 212 S. High Street, Jackson, MO 63755.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above this article.

First Baptist Church, Jackson, MO
212 South High Street, Jackson MO 63755
Tel: 1-573-243-8415
Web: http://www.firstbaptistjackson.tv