Ruth Ann Arnold

Ruth Ann Arnold December 29, 1936 – March 21, 2018 Ruth Ann (Jones) Arnold transitioned to her heavenly home on Wednesday March 21, 2018. Her three children and husband gathered around her bedside to sing, pray, and encourage her home. “Ruthie’s” empathy for others and passion for life was on loan to all who loved her, and we are so grateful for her powerful imprint on our hearts. Her deepest passion was for Jesus Christ, with Whom she walked a well-worn path of intimate conversation, prayer, and study of Scripture. How much more deeply and often she will be able to “carry on” with the Lover of Her Soul now! Ruthie was born on December 29, 1936 in Portales, NM. She was the youngest of 7 siblings, and liked to recount that her baby bed was fashioned from a dresser drawer. Ruthie grew up in small town Sweetwater, Texas, during the Great Depression. She loved telling stories of sharing one bathroom in a small house, and meals around her mother’s (Nonnie’s) kitchen table--whether a rare chicken from their yard, or homemade biscuits with her older siblings--laughter always the real main course. Her humble upbringing was an integral part of who she was. This was often displayed by acts of compassion for those who were suffering or in need, and always demonstrated by making those in her presence feel “special, wanted, and…needed,” as a nephew shared recently. Ruthie was voted Sr. Class Duchess and Who’s Who at Sweetwater High School. In 1952 she met an endearing, fun-loving, and intelligent black-haired young man, who made her weak at the knees for 62 years. Ruthie & George shared a love of music, dancing, friends and family, Scripture, as well as a deep interest in history and philosophy, in particular, world views. And laughter.Lots of laughter. An explorer at heart, George had a talent for unearthing treasures like the best eats, accommodations, or unique shops in small Texas towns, shiny cities, and on occasion, other countries—and delighted in sharing his finds with his bright-eyed, fun-loving Ruthie. In 1976 they spent 6 weeks studying at Swiss L’abri under the tutelage of the renowned theologian, Francis A. Schaeffer. In 1967 the couple moved to Arlington, Texas where they raised their family and attended Pantego Bible Church. She served as President of Arlington Newcomer’s Club. In 1983, George took a position with Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia where he and Ruthie resided for 3 years, and made lifelong friends. Ruthie became the first President of Regent University’s Women’s Group. Ruthie had an expert eye for a nice turn of phrase and dialogue. A professional writer, she referred to herself as the “mechanic” in contrast to her daughters more “artsy” creative writing talents. She especially loved editing! A blank page could make her nervous, but she loved to “tinker” with the writing of others. Often she could wrangle a mediocre sentence into an entertaining or insightful one! Ruthie guided and expertly edited several books of Christian inspirational humor by mainstream publishing houses, as well as co-authoring the biography of Ben Kinchlow, former co-host of The 700 Club. Ruthie, (or Grannie), was known for her warm welcomes, intentional listening, astute question-asking, and always –her infectious boisterous laughter! She played expert bridge until the day she began her transition from this earth to herheavenly home. She loved music, especially lyric-rich hymns (preferably sung with 4 part harmony!). She appreciated detail and beauty. She taught by example the joy of celebrating the small gifts of life: a sparkling Texas lake, pine trees, Easter-basket-colored flowers in her garden, a chubby cheeked happy baby, a soothing cup of coffee, a cool breeze. Ruthie loved playing games with her family and was an avid reader (a favorite was Flannery O’Connor), she loved movies & TV shows-especially I Love Lucy and The Dick Van Dyke Show. In recent years Ruthie and George enjoyed Friday evening meals and dancing at Orion Senior Apartments where they moved to be closer to family in 2016. Prior to that, they lived in Granbury, Texas for 18 years, where Ruthie served as Prayer Minister for 10 years at Lakeside Baptist and was involved with Stephen’s Ministry at Good Shepherd Anglican Church. While we will miss her presence at times with an ache, we look forward to daily memories that already make us laugh out loud, or pause to appreciate her influence on the people we have become. Ruthie had a habit of pausing to hold a loved one’s face between her hands, looking straight into their eyes and saying, “Let me look at you!” We take comfort in knowing Jesus may very well take her face into His hands and say, “Let me look at you!” Ruthie is survived by her sister, Etta Lynch, her soul mate & best friend, George Arnold, her three children, Becky Johnson (Greg) of Highlands Ranch Colorado, David Arnold (Barbara) of Elkhart, Indiana, Rachel St. John-Gilbert (Scott) of Rockwall, Texas, her grandchildren Zachary Freeman, Zeke Freeman, Rachel Randolph, Gabe Freeman, Tyler Arnold, Trevor St. John-Gilbert, Tori St. John-Gilbert, and Whitney St. John-Gilbert, great grandchildren George, Nate, Titus, Jackson, and Corabelle, and many adoring nieces and nephews. Ruthie is preceeded in death by her father Arthur Lewis Jones, mother Elsie Pearl Jones, brothers George, Joe, James, Lloyd, and Eugene (Genie). She very much looked forward to being overjoyed once reunited with her family, but especially her mother, “Nonnie.” A Celebration of Ruth Ann Arnold’s life & legacy will be held on Friday, April 6, 2018 at Transformation Anglican Church, 701 Kensington Drive, Rockwall, Texas 75032 at 11:00 a.m. If you prefer to send a remembrance in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse, Ruth Ann Arnold Memorial Page.https://sampur.se/2I9IJ1X.