Melba Ruth Cherry

Melba Ruth Cherry, formerly of Crosby, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home in Houston on Sunday, June 9, 2013 after a prolonged illness. She was born in Jacksonville, Texas, on May 18, 1926 and just celebrated her 87th birthday.

Ruth is survived by her two children, her son Dr. William F. Cherry II and his wife Sharron of Grand Prairie, Texas and her daughter Rebekah J. Lynch and her husband Dr. Richard H. Lynch of Houston, Texas. She was blessed with eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by her youngest brother, Monte B. Fults, Jr. who lives in Deer Park, Texas. Ruth was preceded in death by her high school sweetheart and husband of 45 years, William F. Cherry; her parents, Monte B. Fults and Lela Mae Hudman Fults; her sister, Wilba M. Randal; and two brothers, Otis H. Fults and Robert W. Fults.

Ruth left in the care of her daughter, her beloved best friend and constant companion of 10 years, her Bichon Frise, Lily Bean.

Ruth attended the University of Houston earning a Master of Education. She taught in the Goose Creek Independent School District for over 20 years and retired from her much loved profession where she taught in the Gifted and Talented Program.

Ruth belonged to the First Baptist Church of Crosby where she enjoyed the fellowship of her Lord and her special friends from the congregation and church staff.

The Newport Garden Club, where she won various blue ribbons for her artistic arrangements and choice blooms, remained close to her heart. Until her illness, Ruth was a regular member of her book club, often guiding the literary discussions. Ruth loved to travel and was privileged to have been on one of the last flights of the Concord and one of the last voyages of the Queen Elizabeth II.

A visitation for friends and family will be held from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Thursday, June 13, 2013 in the Stateroom at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am in the Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors.

A reception hosted by Ruth’s family will follow the Friday morning service. Ruth will return to the side of her late husband when she will be laid to rest at the Shiloh Cemetery, Rusk, Texas where generations of her family are buried.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the American Cancer Society or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.