Ruth Thompson Talbert

Ruth M. Thompson Talbert, 83, a very loving and devoted Christian, wife, and mother, died Friday, May 13, 2011 at a local hospital. The funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 16, 2011, at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Highway 277 South, with David Black officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at a visitation Sunday evening from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Ruth was born on July 8, 1927 in Kingsmill, Texas. She graduated from Borger High School, received a degree in Art and Education from West Texas State College and a master’s degree in Elementary Education from McMurry University. She was a well-loved third grade teacher at Jane Long Elementary in Abilene for 32 years. Ruth loved the third grade children and was loved by all who knew her. She received many honors, including “Champion of Children” from the P.T.A. She held many offices in Delta Kappa Gamma and was President of Texas Retired Teachers Association.

Ruth loved the church, First United Methodist, Abilene. She was Superintendent of Sunday School, worked with college youth, distributed poinsettias to homebound members at Christmas, sang in the choir, and served in many other ways. She enjoyed helping young brides with their weddings.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Fitzhugh Lee “Jack” Thompson and Lulu Mae Stewart Thompson, and her sister Margie Thompson Records.

She is survived by her husband, Leslie Talbert, Jr.; daughter, Linda Wheeler and husband Mickey of Irving, TX; son, Bob Talbert of Clyde, TX; grandson, David Wheeler and wife Tina of Flower Mound, TX; great-granddaughters, Lauren and Ellie Wheeler; brother-in-law, F.A. Records of Pampa, TX; sister-in-law, Willie Talbert of Happy, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliott-hamil.com.