Ruth Harrison

Ruth Harrison (Mrs. James E. Harrison) was born on the 4th of February 1933, and passed away on Saturday, the 17th of February 2018. Ruth died unexpectedly after a brief hospitalization with her two sons at her side.

Ruth was born in Dallas, Texas, to Nancy and R. M. Mann. She spent her teenage years in Fort Worth and was graduated from Pascal High School. After graduation, Ruth worked for the American Automobile Association as a travel agent stationed at one of the old grand hotels in downtown Fort Worth. In 1952 she was set up on a blind date with a tall and lanky Texan who had just started out in the oil and gas business. They courted for a year before marrying on August 15, 1953. From that day forward and until her death she took great pride in being Mrs. James E. Harrison.

Soon after marrying, Ruth and Jim set up home in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where the Company (Standard Oil of Indiana) had stationed Jim. In July of 1954 they had their first daughter, Debra, followed by their first son, Richard, in June of 1955. Shortly thereafter Jim was transferred to Tyler, Texas, where they had their second son, John, in December of 1961. In 1965 Jim was once again transferred this time to Houston where they had their second daughter, Kim, in May of that year.

Ruth was a dutiful wife, mother, and hostess making a lovely home in all the cities that Jim's career took them, becoming active in social and philanthropic organizations in every community where she lived, whether it be Houston, Tulsa, Chicago, or points in between. For parts of 7 decades, Ruth was an active and enthusiastic member of the Ladies' Geophysical Auxiliary (GeoWives) of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, a docent of the Houston Historical Society, a docent of the Gilcrease Museum of Art and History in Tulsa, a member of Tulsa Little Theater Guild specializing in make-up, an Honorary Life Member of the Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers, a member of the Delphian Society, a longtime member of the Junior League Tea Room, and a volunteer with Memorial Area Ministries. Since 1975, Ruth was very involved with Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Houston. There she was active in the Chancel Choir, the Vivian Osborn Circle of the United Methodist Women's organization, the Candle Lighters Sunday School class, and an ardent supporter and volunteer of Spring Thing. In 2010 Ruth, along with Jim, were named Lifetime Members to the Board of Stewards at Chapelwood.

Ruth loved traveling the globe with Jim. Their sunset years were lengthy and truly golden. But perhaps Ruth took the most delight in being a grandmother. At the time of her death she was fortunate enough to have grandchildren ranging in age from teenagers through middle aged.

Of immense sadness to Ruth were the premature deaths of her two daughters, Debra in 2010 and Kim in 2016, and the death of her beloved husband Jim in 2011. Despite these tragedies, Ruth - through tenacity, will, and determination - managed to carry on and resume an active and productive life. She served as an example of strength and perseverance to others, as only a true Southern Lady can do. She will be sorely missed by those who knew her.

Ruth is survived by her two sons Richard and John as well as her daughter-in-law Holly Harrison, son-in-law Anthony Townsend, and her precious grandchildren Sean Stearns, Sarah Harrison Heinchon, Bryan Harrison, Harrison Townsend, Kate Townsend, and Phillips Townsend as well as her great granddaughter Shannon Stearns and grandson-in-law Kyle Heinchon.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon until eight o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 2nd of March, in the parlor and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

The funeral service is to be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Saturday, the 3rd of March, in the Sanctuary of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay in Houston, where Dr. John Stephens, Senior Pastor, will officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Fellowship Hall.

Honored to serve as casket bearers during the services are Dan Myhaver, William Burdette, Sean Stearns, Bryan Harrison, Harrison Townsend and Kyle Heinchon.

At a later date, the family will gather for a private interment at Greenleaf Cemetery in Brownwood, TX.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that contributions in memory of Mrs. Harrison be directed to the Chapelwood Foundation, 11140 Greenbay, Houston, TX, 77024; The Brookwood Community, 1752 FM 1489, Brookshire, TX 77423; or to the charity of one's choice.