Ruth Ellen Harris

Ruth was born on October 12, 1939, to Millard and Josie Patten near Carter, OK. She passed away on Dec 9, 2021, at the age of 82. Ruth was number 4 out of 6 siblings. They all grew up in the cotton patch where hard work and eating were intertwined. Their experience forged a strong family bond which built valuable skills to thrive in relationships and life challenges. Ruth was a vibrant and talented lady. She held many things dear, with faith, family, and friends taking priority.

Ruth graduated from Carter High School in 1957 and studied at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford. She then migrated a little south and found a job at Altus Air Force Base. Her boss at the time had a single brother-in-law on military leave. He was no ordinary Joe. They married in 1963 and the knot was tied for 57 years.

She transitioned to a full-time and much harder career in homemaking. Joe and Ruth had 2 sons and 5 grandchildren. Their numerous activities and interests became hers as well. She was the ultimate mom and Granny. She was involved in many things from class parent, to concessions, to coaching from the stands, snapping photos, and constructive referee criticism. She rarely missed any event at school or church. Her siblings are all similar in that regard. If there was a free night, you could often count on extended family either being at the event, discussing it on the phone, or both!

Ruth's happy place was her art studio. She was a gifted landscape painter. She sold paintings at art shows but gave most of them away to friends and family. She loved beautiful vistas, bird watching, antique shopping, old western movies, elevator music, dominoes, and basketball. Other talents included cooking, quilting, counseling, directing Joe, family peacemaking, and hospitality. At her core, she simply had a servant's heart. Ruth was most happy when those around her were happy. Large family gatherings warmed her heart - the more the merrier. She was always willing to "add a little water to the gravy" if needed.

The tenacity and grit she learned in her youth served her well late in life. She wore many hats and was loved by many. She will be welcomed into glory by God's grace as a good and faithful servant. Ruth raised the bar for all of us. She preferred "see you later" instead of "goodbye". Amen to that.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Joe; parents, Millard & Josie; siblings, (Dean & Nelda Burch, Jerry & Carolyn Sanders); sister-in-law, Jeri Patten; and niece, Jeri Cocannouer. Surviving her is son John and wife Cathlin of Edmond; son Mark and wife Kimmy of Tulsa; grandchildren (Landry, Gracie, Samantha, Kaylee, & Zach); siblings (Noel Patten, Dwayne & Janita Patten, Jim & Estelline Coffey), 7 nephews, and 6 nieces.

A memorial service will be held on Dec. 20th (10:00 am) at the First United Methodist Church in Sayre, OK.

Arrangements entrusted to Schaudt's Glenpool Funeral Service, 719 E. 141st Street, Glenpool, OK. 74033. Family and friends may leave their condolences and share special memories @schaudtfuneralservice.com