Ruth Gallaway Saunders

“RUTHIE”

3/21/1933-9/05/2012

Ruth was born on March 21, 1933 in the small town of Rossville, GA and passed away on September 5, 2012 in Merced, CA at the age of 79. She lived her life both in Rossville, GA and in San Diego and Merced, CA.

Ruth loved going to church. She was very active in her church serving on the church board, NMI board, the choir, Youth Quizzing, and various other committees. She also served as Nazarene Missions International President for 18 years until recently retiring.

Music was very important in her daily life having earned her 1st degree with Professor Bickel at San Diego and studying also with Carole Rea of Fresno. At the top of her “to do” list was traveling, sightseeing, and spending time with her hubby Mac and family.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, George W. and Bertha Ann (Smith) Gallaway.

She is survived by her beloved husband who helped her battle the issues of COPD and recently heart valve issues which she succumbed to in death, Mac Saunders; son, Gary (Rhonda) Paradise; granddaughters, Ashley of San Diego, twins Kasey and Lyndsay of San Diego; sister, Mary (Jack) Wilkinson; 3 nephews, Chris Gallaway, Rick and Mark Wilkinson; and 3 nieces, Teresa Brown, Pam and Nancy Gallaway Carson all of Cleveland, TN.

Services are pending.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.