Ruth M. Howard was welcomed into heaven on Thursday, November 20, 2014 when she died peacefully at home at the age of 85. Ruth loved life, family, and friends. Her secret was leaning on the everlasting arms of Jesus Christ her Lord and Savior. Ruth’s favorite Bible Scripture: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phillipians 4:13
Ruth was born in Cloquet, Minnesota and moved with her family at the age of 3 to Oklahoma. She moved with her husband, Raymond Howard to Santa Paula, California in 1969 from Pryor, Oklahoma. Ruth had several jobs during her life. In Oklahoma she was a Waitress, Clerk at a Drug Store Soda Shop, and a Delicatessen Assistant in a Grocery Store. In California she worked as a Crossing Guard with the Santa Paula Police Department for 18 years, and worked along with her husband as Custodian at the First Baptist Church of SP for 20+ years. Her favorite job was being a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Friend.
Ruth was preceded in death by her Husband, Raymond; Son, Johnny Charles; and Son in law, Barry Dotson. She is survived by her Sons Rick Howard (Pam) of Pryor, Okla., and Robert Howard (Jody) of Santa Paula, Calif.; Daughters Diane Dotson of Tulsa, Okla., Connie Dotson of Pryor Okla., Annette Mason (Jonathan) of Santa Paula, Calif., and Daughter in law Christine Howard of Ridgecrest, Calif.; 10 Grandchildren and 12 Great-Grandchildren.
Ruth always had a smile for you and was quick with a fun reply to any conversation. She enjoyed her time with friends having coffee, playing bingo, attending Bible Study, and lunch dates. She loved her dogs too. Ruth is greatly missed and will always be in our hearts and memories.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, November 26 at 1:00 pm, at Life Way Baptist Church, 673 W. Santa Paula Street with a Graveside service following. Pastor Bob Walpole is officiating. A time of visitation will take place Tuesday, November 25 from 5 to 7 pm at Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 738 E. Santa Paula Street.
Donations in Memory of Ruth can be made to: JDRF -Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or The American Heart Association.
