Evelyn Ruth Swaringin Guess

Evelyn Ruth Guess, our precious Wife, Mother, and Mimi went home to be with her precious Lord and Savior on January 14th, 2012 after a valiant struggle with cancer. Throughout her illness, and death, she continued to live out her faith, sharing her kind spirit and love with all those she came in contact with.

Ruth was born November 17, 1935 to Roland H. and Laura Swaringin in Coleman County, Texas. She married her sweetheart, Norman Guess, on May 16, 1952 in San Angelo, Texas. Norman and Ruth lived in Eastland, Texas in the early years of their marriage where their daughters were born. They moved to Big Lake, Texas in April, 1961, where she was a vital part of the community.

Ruth served her God first, family, and loved ones, serving quietly in the background. She volunteered as a Pink Lady at Reagan Memorial Hospital, was Room Mother for all four daughters throughout their school years, chaperoned many school activities, and attended all school functions for her children and grandchildren. Mother and Daddy were honored as lifetime members and Boosters of the Year by the Reagan County Owl Booster Club. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, Big Lake, where she served faithfully, teaching 5-6 year old Sunday School, and remained there until she had the joy of teaching all of her grandchildren. Later, she and Norman taught Adult Couples Sunday School for many years. She also loved singing in the choir with her beautiful smile and alto voice, serving in the kitchen, and was a devoted prayer warrior. Mom delivered meals for Meals on Wheels, and First Baptist Church Good Neighbor Ministry, and sent many, many cards of encouragement as part of her ministry. She willingly helped in the family businesses through the years.

Mother was preceded in death by her parents, Roland and Laura Swaringin, her Mother and Father-in-law, Edward and Rebecca Guess, Son-in-law, Wayne Poynor, and Sister-in-law, Nancy Guess Bell. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of almost 60 years, Norman Guess of Big Lake, and her four daughters, who were also her best friends: Susan and Mike George of Arlington, Texas, Janet Kohutek, Marla and Britt Poynor, & Lori and Terry Jones, all of Big Lake. She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren whom she cherished, Jennifer and Edward Rivas, John George, Julie and Brad Wachsmann, Casey and Melanie Kohutek, Paul and Lori Jones, Shawn and Anita Poynor, Allison and Coleman Williams, Ellen Jones and Cody Slaughter, Clay and Joy Butler, Casey Poynor, and Megan and West Herbert. She was a very special Mimi to 22 great grandchildren. Ruth is also survived by her loving siblings, sister, Carolyn and Walt Templin, and brother, Howard and SueAnn Swaringin, her aunt, Helen Davis and a very special aunt, Leora Swaringin, Brother and Sister-in-law, Warren and Marion Aldridge, Brother-in-law, Jimmy F. Bell, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial Celebration will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January, 17th at First Baptist Church, Big Lake, officiated by her long time pastor and friend, Rev. J.B. Bitner, Jr. assisted by Reverend Gerald Bastin, and Derrel Marion. Viewing will be at Johnson’s Funeral Home in San Angelo until 2:00 p.m. on Monday. Viewing and visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Big Lake, Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Graveside services will follow at Glen Rest Cemetery, Big Lake. Pall Bearers will be her grandsons, Edward Rivas, John George, Brad Wachsmann, Casey Kohutek, Paul Jones, Shawn Poynor, Coleman Williams, and Cody Slaughter. Honorary Pall Bearers are Skyler Browder Jones, Casey Poynor, Clay Butler, Dale Fisher, Pee Wee Poynor, Johnny Poynor, James Smith, J.D. (Rabbit) Richmond, Wade Jones, Wayne Jones, Buck Owens, Sam Whitten, Bill Schneemann, Pablo Levario, and Andy Glasscock.

Special thanks for loving care are given by the family to Dr. Sabino D’Agostino, Dr. David Cummings, Dr. Stephen Coates, Reagan Memorial Hospital staff, Shannon ICU nurses, the entire staff of Shannon 4 and 5 North, Odyssey Hospice, and the Rotary House of Hope staff.

Memorials, if desired, are suggested by the family to the American Cancer Society, Rotary House of Hope, or FBC Big Lake Memorial Fund.