Annie Ruth Stone

Annie Ruth Stone, 95, died in the early morning of December 17, 2020. Born Dec 8, 1925 to Annie Laura and Douglas Oldham in Brushy Creek, Texas, she was the second of their four children and the oldest daughter. Her early years were spent growing up in Palestine, Texas where her father worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. She always looked to Palestine as a second home where much of her family remained. As the job took the family to Houston, Ruth attended Jefferson Davis High School where she graduated.

On October 28, 1950, Ruth and Eugene Franklin Stone, a mechanical engineering graduate from Rice Institute and Army Air Corps veteran of WWII, were wed, and remained together for 58 years until Gene’s death in 2008. Originally settling in the Lindale area of Houston, they started their family beginning with son Richard Bruce and daughter Julie Anne. After moving to the newly developing Oak Forest area son Stephen James was born. Ruth and Gene became early members of the newly established St. Stephen’s Methodist Church where they faithfully served the rest of their lives. Ruth immersed herself totally in the welfare of her children through their school and outside activities. She was recognized as a Life Member of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) and helped lead Girl Scout Troop 1128 for Julie and a group of girls who stuck together all the way from Brownies to senior level. She was so proud of her girls. Many have maintained contact with her throughout the years following. As her children grew and had families of their own, she became a most active grandmother, Nana, as she was called by all, and she cheered on every single one. Her family and friends were her life, and to be part of it was to be blessed.

In her life her actions spoke louder than her words. Other than some business schools, Ruth did not attend college, but instead worked for Western Union and later Humble Oil and Refining Company to help pay her brother and sisters’ way through. She did the same when her children went to college. Ruth went to work for the Houston Independent School District Headquarters and later worked in the office of Scarborough High School, taking pride that she could again support her children to attend college until Gene’s new business venture became successful. Their home was always a welcoming place of refuge for the neighborhood kids and friends, always a place for a listening ear and a bite of food. She gave loving care to many in need besides Gene and her children. Ruth was active as a member of the Visitation Team at St. Stephens United Methodist Church.

Ruth Stone is predeceased by her husband, Eugene Franklin Stone (Gene), to whom she called herself “his sidekick, parents Annie Laura and Lawrence Douglas Oldham, Brother John Charles Oldham, and sister June Rose Berg. She is survived by her sister Patsy Jean Lewis, son Richard Bruce Stone, daughter Julie Anne Stone-Cortez, son Stephen James Stone, ten grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who were all dear to her.

Arrangements are under the care of Pat H. Foley Funeral Home. A graveside service for family and close friends will be conducted at Houston Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Saturday, December 26 at 10 AM after a viewing set for 8:30 AM that morning at the funeral home, Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe officiating. A Celebration of Life Service is pending after the New Year at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church in Houston. In lieu of flowers, donations in memoriam to St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church at www.stshtx.org would be appreciated. The family wishes to express its gratitude to the staff at Village of the Heights, Family Tree, and Homecare givers for their attention to our Mom’s wellbeing in her final years.