Ruth Eldridge Carter McKinley, 93, of Lumberton, died Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at her residence. A longtime resident of Beaumont, she has lived in Lumberton since 2011. Ruth served as a 5th Grade Teacher at Giles and Pietsch Elementary Schools in Beaumont for many years. She was a longtime member of St. Paul's Methodist Church. Her cherished husband was an Eagle Scout and, raising boys, she spent a lot of time camping with the Boy Scouts. She loved playing the piano, round dancing, and rock hunting.
Ruth was a published writer, having written a book of poems and a children's book titled Reindeer Island. In following her love of genealogy, she and Gay researched (before computer databases) and compiled boxes of documents and published four books, each tracing one of their family lines.
She and Gay loved to travel and took many cruises and spent a lot of time on the road in their motorhome. When at home they kept active by having lunch with various sororities, South Park High School graduates, Red Hat ladies and Gay's army buddies. After losing Gay, she continued crocheting hats for babies born at St. Elizabeth Hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, June 13, 2022 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 13, 2022 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home.
Ruth was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gay McKinley, son, Jackie McKinley, and her parents, Horace & Lela Carter.
Ruth is survived by her sons, Jerry McKinley and his wife Georgia of Lumberton, James McKinley and his wife Gail of Brenham, TX., daughter-in-law, Mary and Leon Mendoza of Beaumont, 7 grandchildren, Ryan and Misti McKinley of Beach City, TX., Chad and Misti McKinley of Baytown, Jesse and Tiffany McKinley of Floresville, TX., Sean and Angela McKinley of Beaumont, Leon Jr., and Susie McKinley of Granbury, TX., Lisa and Mike Young of Sugarland, and Tracey Gerl of Cypress, TX., 16 great grandchildren, Abigail, Madison, Elijah, and Briella McKinley of Floresville, TX., Jean, Christopher, Karrie, and Emma McKinley of Beaumont, Angel, Cheyenna, Sierra, and Mollie McKinley of Granbury, TX., Collin and Samantha Young of Missouri City, TX., and Madison Young of Sugarland, TX., Parker and Carson Gerl of Cypress, TX., and 5 Great-Great Grandchildren.
Ruth will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
