Mrs. Ruth E. Ray, in her 85th season of life, dozed into perfect peace on Sunday afternoon, October 13, 2019 from Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Ruth Evelyn Walker was born in Pumpkin Center (Liberty Morris), Oklahoma on July 30, 1934 to Edward Walker and Rosezellia Springs Walker. She was the first of 2 daughters born to this union. The family moved around a lot, spending time in Okmulgee, Rentiesville, Pumpkin Center, and eventually rural Grayson. She graduated from Grayson High School, and attended Langston University for 2 ½ years before meeting and marrying Herman Ray, Sr. The couple was married at Saint Andrews Catholic Church in Haskell on March 19, 1956 and settled in rural Haskell.

Ruth was a housewife for the first eleven years of their marriage, helping Herman Sr. as he farmed, raised cattle, horses, sheep, and various other farm animals. Herman and Ruth were the proud parents of five children: Herman Jr, Therman, Lolita, Marschell and Kirt. After nine years of marriage, Herman Sr. persuaded Ruth to continue her college education. She enrolled at Northeastern State College in Tahlequah in the summer of 1964. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in education and eventually earned her Masters Degree in Education. Ruth's first teaching job was at Dunbar Elementary in Muskogee. In 1967 Ruth was hired by Haskell Public Schools. She taught at Mary White Elementary for 24 years before taking early retirement in 1991.

Ruth enjoyed gardening, sewing, and horseback riding. Ruth died on October 13 in Muskogee after a long illness. In all that time, she never lost her cheerful spirit and sweet smile. She was preceded in death by her parents, only sister, husband and one grandchild.

Left to cherish her legacy are children: Herman Jr. (Carole), and Lolita Ray Capers (Delmore) of Haskell, Therman (Marjorie) of Porter, Marschell (Cynthia) of Camarillo, CA, and Kirt of Tulsa; 8 grandchildren: Shelley (Chad) Collins of Haskell, Hannah Ray of Tulsa, Kyle Ray (Magaly) of Houston TX, Moriah Ray of Tulsa, Eli Louie of Haskell, Shawn Ray of Tulsa, Rachael Ray of New York City, and William Ray of Porter; and 2 great grandchildren Rayln and Haley Collins of Haskell; sister-in-law Marzetta Wade of Atlanta, GA and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

After her death the children found a letter written to them by Ruth, which read in part "I have no regrets concerning my 5 adult children! God handpicked them! They are great children! I love you all – always with such a love that will never die; even when I am dead. Love you forever, Mom – Ruth Evelyn".

Funeral Mass for Mrs. Ray will be on Monday morning, October 21, 2019 at 10:00 AM in the St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Reverend Father Richard F. Cristler will be the Celebrant.  Burial will follow the Mass at 1:00 PM in the Haskell City Cemetery.

You may visit Mrs. Ray, as she slumbers in sweet repose at the funeral home in Muskogee on Sunday from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM, with the family present to receive visitors from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM.

Viewing on Monday will be in the St. Joseph Atrium prior to the Mass only.