Ruth Faye Steen

Ruth was born in Colorado City, Texas, on December 1, 1939, to Henry Grady and Grace Wagner Paige as the sixth of eight children. On June 15, 1960, she married the love of her life, Bill James Steen. The strong love they shared for each other for 51 years was passed on to a wonderful family embracing three children, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Bill and Ruth lived the majority of their lives in Odessa TX, and they raised all their children and helped with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren while building a successful construction company known as Bill Steen Construction. Better known as Mema and Papa, their lifelong dream was to move to their ranch in Mineola, Texas. Mema was known as the family caretaker, not just for her own kids and husband, but with her brothers, sisters, in-laws and parents she spent relentless hours of her life helping other people. One of the main things that was said about her during her last few hours on this earth by family and friends that came to see her off, was that she was the most caring, unselfish and loving person they ever knew!

Ruth, Mom, Mema, whichever name chosen to call her by, she loved Christmas! Dad said he had to work the majority of the year just to pay for the Christmas! She never felt there was enough presents, even though we would barely have room to open them on Christmas day. Mom was a wonderful cook; she was known around the world for her chocolate pies. What a Special woman our mother was! She spent her life in pursuit of helping others so that their dreams could come true! There was not a selfish bone in her body! We honor her this day as she is welcomed into Heaven to see the ones she served that have gone on before her, and we honor her today as the ones that are left behind to make sure that her service of others continues through us. We Love You Mom! Thank you!

Ruth was preceded in death by both parents; one brother Jerry Paige; two sisters Bertha Paige Craven and Sudie Paige McNew; and a brother-in-law Lonnie Steen.

Her legacy lives on with her husband Bill; children, Tony Steen, Selena Dunn and husband Kim, and Craig Steen; brothers, Henry Paige Jr. and wife Verla, of Big Springs, and James Paige and wife Jimmie, of Eastland; sisters, Sue Day and husband Thomas, of Gardendale, and Rita Bailey of Odessa; grandchildren, Amy and husband Derek Smith, and Ben Steen and wife Bo; great-grandchildren, Pennie and Jimi Steen; as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends throughout the country.

Arrangements are under the care of Hubbard Kelly Funeral Home and the family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 pm on Sunday, June 19, 2011. The family wishes to celebrate Ruth’s life and their cherished memories at a rememberance service at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 20, 2011, at Hubbard Kelly Funeral Home; graveside services will follow immediately at Ackerly Cemetery.

The family would like to send thanks to all of their friends, family, dr’s, medical staff that helped in making Mema’s departure a peaceful one! Thank you, Mom, can’t wait to see you again!