Ruth C. Dollahon

Ruth Martin Dollahon, 91, died Thursday, February 2, 2012, after a long illness. She was born Ruth Christine Martin July 2, 1920, in Knobnoster, Missouri to Daniel Sylvester Martin and Christine Warden Martin. She graduated from Southwestern University and taught sixth grade for many years, notably at Horn Elementary in Bellaire, Texas. She was active in many organizations, including The Gideons International, PEO, the Republican Party, the Houston Tuesday Music Club and Southwest Presbyterian Church, PCA. She was the State Officer of Pro America for several years and the recipient of the Freedom Foundations Award for promoting patriotism and the knowledge of their nation’s heritage to school children throughout the Houston Independent School District.

Preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 57 years, Willard Eugene Dollahon, she is survived by three sons, Randall Kent Dollahon and wife Kathy; Winston Eugene Dollahon and wife Penny; and Daniel Lee Dollahon and wife, Karen; a sister, Fay Martin Kemper; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Next to her faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Ruth’s family ties meant the most to her throughout her life. A dear friend, Suzon Adam held a special place in her heart, becoming a member of the family in spirit, if not in fact. In addition, Ruth leaves a multitude of wonderful friends – her church family; her PEO sisters; the residents of University Place Retirement Community, where she resided during the past seven years; and the hundreds of former students whom she inspired during her career in education. The family wishes to extend their appreciation to all who kept our mother in their prayers and especially to the staff of Christus Hospice VNA, who provided loving and professional care to her during her final months. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 8 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be 2:00 pm Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the Chapel of Forest Park Westheimer with The Reverend David L. Wakeland officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons Walker, Sean, Devon and Wesley Dollahon and James Tenneberger and the session of Southwest Presbyterian Church: Mark Elam, Clay Nichols, Reverend Ken Thurman, Tom Wilson, Steve Thacker and Honorary Pallbearer Sam Bridgeman, of Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Southwest Presbyterian Memorial Fund, 6033 South Rice Avenue, Bellaire, TX 77401.

Ruth lived her long life in a manner that reflected her upbringing in a godly household and conducted all her affairs with integrity. She would want us all to reflect upon a life well lived and take comfort in the fact of the resurrection and salvation through our savior Jesus Christ.