Ruth L Williamson

Ruth Lanford Williamson was born July 2, 1925, in Blanket, Texas to Lawrence and Byrd (Lee) Lanford, the sixth of eight children. Stories of her ranching family at the “old home place” in Blanket were full of hijinks and tough times, which the family met with faith, fortitude, and great love.

Ruth graduated from University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Health and Physical Education. She worked for the IRS, for Geophysical Services (later Texas Instruments) and the Bexar County TB Association (later the American Lung Association). In 1950 she married Ralph Lee Stirman. They lived for a short time in Abilene, Texas where Ruth taught health education and P.E. at Abilene High School before moving back to Austin. Shortly after, they welcomed daughters Andrea and Celia. In 1952, Ralph contracted polio and Ruth was widowed at 27 with two young girls under the age of 2. Throughout her life, Ruth turned this loss into a blessing for others, as she supported other women through hard times.

God blessed Ruth with new love, and she married Jim Williamson on April 27, 1956. Jim adopted Andrea and Celia and they added three more girls to the family, Sharon, Lynn, and Kristin. Ruth and Jim were married for 65 years and lived a life of service together in church and the community as the family moved with Jim’s promotions to Austin, Texas; Denver, Colorado; West Des Moines, Iowa; Rochester, Minnesota; and Lenexa, Kansas. To be close to their daughters and grandchildren, Jim and Ruth retired to Keller, Texas in 1997 where they became active members at The Hills church in North Richland Hills.

Ruth was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Jim. She is survived by one sister, Louise Looney, five daughters; Andrea Bills (Garry), Celia Williamson (Tim), Sharon Schwambach (Brad), Lynn Niewald (Jim), Kristin Rademacher (Gary); 12 grandchildren; Jeff Bills (Rachel), Sam Williamson (Chelsey), Emily Peters (Mike), Natalie Smith (Jordon), Baron Smith (Ashlee) Casey Tuttle (Andrew), Lindsey Conwell (Chris) Emma Niewald, Melissa Marek (Jason), Kylie Trantham (Jackson), David and Kaylee Rademacher, plus15 great and great-great-grandchildren. Ruth and Jim were active church members throughout their lives where they formed life-long friendships and were loved by many.

Ruth was an encourager and always had a smile for anyone she met. In her later years, many times that smile was followed by a wink! She was known for her hospitality, her intentional gratitude, her gracious welcome, and her quiet strength. Ruth demonstrated her faith in the way she lived her life with warmth, humor, service, and unfailing love.

We are grateful for the light she brought into our world for over 98 years. Her love is a gift that will live on in each of us. When God called her home, she left this earth with a wink and a smile.

Memorial contributions can be made to Jenni’s Girls, a ministry that offers love through home visits and hospitality. Ruth was part of the ministry and, in her later years, a recipient of its love. Mail checks to 6300 NE Loop 820, North Richland Hills, TX 76180 or give online at https://thehills.org/give/ and designate donation for Jenni’s Girls.