Ruth Leupu Peola

Ruth Leupu Peola, a caretaker and resident of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the age of 80.

 She was born on July 10, 1944, in Fale’ula, Upolu. She moved to Missouri in 1977. Ruth was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 Ruth was a hardworking woman who never knew the meaning of self-care, as she always put others first. She always made sure those around her were taken care of and no one ever left her home without food. She never wanted or asked for much. She preferred for her family and friends to pay their bills and save their money rather than spend it on her. 

Ruth was proud of her Samoan heritage and taught her children Fa’a Samoa, meaning the Samoan way. She was an active member of the Samoan Community in Independence, Missouri. But most of all, Ruth was extremely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Ruth is survived by her children: Jay (Lisa) Peola, Tala Peola, Ruth (Michael) Summerville, Jerry (Amy) Peola, Rosemarie (Fareeda) Washington, and Nominetta (Justin) Peola. 

Ruth is survived by her grandchildren: Alina (Tafili) Robertson, Jessica Cochran, Ward (Nicole) Wasmer II, Westley (Kayleigh) Wasmer, Derek (Kim) Prado II, Alexander Peola, Samantha (Cody) Grace, Aaron (Sierra) Peola, Skylar (Devin) Fitzpatrick, Nevaeh Peola, Tyler Skaggs, Landon Washington, and Brayden Skaggs.

 Ruth is survived by her great-grandchildren: Mario Cochran, Roman Robertson, Leilani Cochran, Ulalia Robertson, Christopher Cochran, Lehi Robertson, Delylah Robertson, Camren Cochran, Kendel Cochran, GinaMarie Via’Leupu Prado, Savanna Grace, Eloise Wasmer, Ruby Wasmer, Abigail Grace, Layla Peola, Eti Cochran, Amelia Wasmer, Sawyer Peola, Saili Leo Prado, Rosalie Wasmer, Wyatt Grace, River Wasmer, Charlie Peola, Derek Prado III, Abbott Wasmer, Summer Peola, and one on the way.

 Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Totoa Fruean, her husband Saili Peola; her son Eti Peola; her granddaughter LeeAnoa Prado; and her grandson Saili Prado.

 Friends and family are invited to celebrate Ruth’s life on June 14, 2025, with a visitation beginning at 8:30 AM and a funeral at 9:00 AM at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, Missouri.