Ruth Rudie Masters Neff

Ruth Masters Neff (Rudie) died Saturday, November 13, 2010. Rudie was two months away from her 95th birthday and was quick to remind us all that she wanted another big party. Born January 9, 1916 in Minco, Oklahoma , she was the youngest child of Carrie Mae and Dr. Henry Masters. Ruth took great pride in telling us about her early graduation from Minco High. Because of her keen intelligence and excellent work ethic she skipped two grades and took off for Junior College in a model T with her mother in tow at age sixteen. Rudie had a true zest for life and an indomitable spirit. She suffered her husband’s untimely death after six years of marriage during the Great Depression and tragically lost her only son when he was killed in an accident at age nine. Ruth was devastated by these events but never lost her faith nor her will to live. She worked outside the home for over sixty years as an executive secretary in the oil and gas industry and enjoyed every minute of it. Ruth ‘s love for children and her church resulted in her service as the pianist in the Children’s Chapel at All Souls Episcopal Church for over ten years. Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Samuel O’Connor Neff, her son, Samuel O’Connor Neff, Jr., her brothers Loy C. Masters and Ray C. Masters and sister, Gladys Masters Arnold. Survivors include her daughter, Robyn Neff Harding ( Tinker), grandson Michael O’Connor Harding and his wife, Whitney, of Fort Worth , Texas, granddaughter, Casey Harding Williams and her husband, Rainey of Oklahoma City and five great grandchildren, Casey and Callaway Harding and Rainey III, Samuel and Grace Williams. The family thanks her beloved niece , Margaret Arnold Wallace for her unwavering support and kindness during these last few years; dear friends, Peyton Osborne and Bob Allee for their loyal friendship to Rudie over the last thirty years and to her longtime physician, Dr. Gary Kinasewitz. The family also thanks the nurses of Mercy Hospice for their compassion and care during Rudie’s last days.A celebration of Ruth’s life will take place on Friday, November, 19 at 5:00pm in the Chapel of Saint Mary at All Souls Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to All Souls Episcopal Church.