Ruth Ann (Merrell) Cannon

Ruth Ann (Merrell) Cannon, 73, left this earthly world just after midnight on January 13, 2007, while holding the hand of the man she loved for 54 ½ years. The cancer she had fought so valiantly claimed her earthly body, but she has now claimed her true victory in Jesus.

Ruth Ann was born in Lindsay, Oklahoma, on August 14, 1933 to Marvin T. and Esther Merrell. Through her school years, she lived wherever her dad’s work on the Humble pipeline took them. She was selected “Most Beautiful” at Sugar Land High School back in 1950 and later graduated from

Hull-Daisetta High School in 1951. After a whirlwind courtship, she

married Allen Cannon on June 17, 1952, while Allen was in the Air Force.

They moved back to Baytown after Allen finished his military duties and Baytown has been their home ever since. They have been members of the Missouri Street Church of Christ their entire married life. Ruth Ann worked at Stephen F. Austin Elementary for 20 years, before retiring to become a full time grandmother.

Ruth Ann touched the lives of so many in so many ways, but her greatest roles were those of wife, mother, and “Mimi”. She was the heart of our family and brought us such joy. Her smile, her touch, her laughter and her love were blessings that will be with us forever. She was truly the epitome of “mother”.

Her family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home Sunday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, January 15, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Navarre Funeral Home with David Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Cedarcrest Cemetery.

Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Donald Merrell. She is survived by her loving husband Allen; her four children: Son and daughter-in-law David and Olivette Cannon of The Woodlands, daughters and sons-in-law Kathy and Keith Ferguson of Baytown, Donna and Tony Gullo of The Woodlands, and Penny and Daryl Yaw of Baytown. She is also survived by her eleven adoring gandchildren: Lauren, Carly, and Matthew Cannon, Kurt and Kimberly Ferguson, Kirby, and Kolton Ferguson, Chelsey and Matthew McGhee, T.J., and Grant Gullo,

Weston and Corrie Yaw; great granddaughter Ava Grace Ferguson, due in February. She is also survived by her sisters and brothers-in-law: Glorous Lee and Howard Garrett, Rayford and Janie Stokes of Tomball; sister-in-law Eva Cannon of Midlothian.

We will miss mother dearly, but her legacy will live on in our lives forever. In her honor, please take time to kiss your spouse, bake your child’s favorite cake, let your grandchildren do something you would never have dreamed of letting your own children do, and be gracious to all those around you.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The American Cancer Society PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, www.cancer.org or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521, (281) 422-8111.