Ruth Cornelia Hatfield

Born in Yoakum, Texas, on October 11, 1923, Ruth grew up in the Great Depression. She was the middle daughter of Columbus Thomas and Letha Freeman Thomas, and one of eleven children. During her childhood, she worked hard on the farm and often had to go without. At around age 17, Ruth and her sister Selma embarked on a new adventure to the big city of Houston, where she found lodging at a boarding house and used her stunning good looks and ingenuity to land a job as a store clerk, despite having only a seventh-grade education. While later working as a ticket taker for the local bus system, she met Lucky, the love of her life. After several requests for a date, Lucky finally wore her down and they married soon after on February 26, 1944. They were happily married for over 63 years.

The happy couple settled in a home in Houston and had their one and only daughter, Penny, who they raised in a home filled with love. During this time, Ruth worked in an administrative role at Weingarten’s, where she remained for over 30 years. Following her retirement, she focused on family, spoiling her only two granddaughters, Shauna and Mandy, showering them with love and affection and attending every dance competition, football game, and major milestone in their lives.

Ruth was a kind, generous, and hospitable woman who loved people and loved the Lord. She cherished her devotional private time with Jesus and was very active in her church. She and Lucky were members of Berean Baptist Church where they served for many years. Ruth loved family and cherished her friends. Her hobbies included entertaining, playing cards with friends, celebrating and decorating for the holidays, and traveling. Ruth also loved baseball. She was an avid Astros fan dating back to when they were the Colt 45s. Fortunately, she lived to see the Astros win their first World Series in 2017 which greatly delighted her.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Penny Hatfield Fleming of Humble, Texas, granddaughters Shauna Askins and husband Clark of La Porte, Texas, Mandy Bell and husband Brad of Prosper, Texas, great-granddaughters Brianna and Bethany Askins, and great-grandsons Micah and Ryker Bell, as well as many nieces and nephews and friends. Ruth is preceded in death by her husband William Harold Hatfield of Houston, Texas, and her parents Columbus and Letha Thomas, as well as ten brothers and sisters.

God blessed Ruth with a full and bountiful life, allowing her to bless all that knew her. Her generous heart, jubilant spirit, and witty sense of humor will be greatly missed.

A Memorial will be held at Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060, US, on April 8, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm.

A Reception will follow at Earthman Resthaven from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.