Ruthie Mae Taylor

Mother Ruthie Mae Pickett-Taylor was born to William (Bill) Pickett and Fonzy Griffin on April 21, 1916 in Taylor (Abilene, Texas), where they resided for several years before moving to the Oklahoma territory in 1926. She was the second child of Bill and Fonzy. She was preceded in death by both of her brothers, A.B. Pickett and Samuel Thomas.

In 1940, she met the love of her life, Edward Taylor, and they were married in 1941 in Mangum, Oklahoma. Together they had five children: West Thomas, Samuel Taylor, Wilma Taylor, Ruthie B. Taylor and Paula Evans. They remained a devoted and loving couple until his death, in 1980. Ruth was an excellent wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a faithful friend to many.

In 1974, Ruth and her family moved to Liberal, Kansas and remained there until 1995. While in Kansas, she was a faithful member of All Nations Pentecostal Church, under the leadership of Bishop Alton E. Hyde. After moving back to Texas she united with New Life Christian Church, also known as The Chosen Vessel Cathedral, where the honorable Bishop Richard E. Young is the senior pastor.

In 2002, Ruth was recognized as the only living child and closest living relative of her father, Bill Pickett, (one of the most popular African-American cowboys. In the late 1800’s to 1900’s, he became famous for inventing the sport of “bulldogging” (also known as steer wrestling). Her father was the first African-American inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. In 1971, the unveiling of his stature was presented in Cowtown, located in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1989, Bill was inducted into the Pro-Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Over the years, Ruth continued to keep her father’s legacy alive. Even at the age of 94, she made guest appearances with many state dignitaries, congressmen and other elected officials. In 2002, Ruth was honored by Councilman Jim Lane, and was presented the Key to the City of Fort Worth, by Mr. Ed white, who is a National Rodeo Announcer. In 2003, Ruth was also presented with a National Proclamation from the Mayor of the City of Fort Worth, declaring May 9th to be Bill Pickett Day. Staying true to her father’s legacy, she remained a member of the 101 Ranch Old Timers Association, as Ruth was dedicated to keeping her father’s memory alive.

Ruth was preceded in death by her father, William “Bill” Pickett, her mother, Fonzy Bell; her loving husband, Edward; Son, Wilma Francis, and grandson, Dejuan. Mother Taylor leaves to cherish two sons, West “Doub” (Liz) Thomas of Liberal, KS; Samuel (Carol) Taylor, Arlington, TX; and two daughters: Ruthie Bell and Paula Dean (Larry) Evans, both of Mansfield, TX. Grandchildren: Steven Evans, Tavian (Glen) Harris, Tammi (Fred) Witherspoon, Cassandra Evans, Robert (Christy) Jackson, Joyce Reed, Larry Evans, Jr., Terri Ivory, Michael Taylor, William (Connie) Hendricks, and Mia Taylor. A host of great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren: Cameron & Jacelyn, who were her heart; and a host of family members and friends.