Ruth Edwynna Rothermel

ARLINGTON -- Ruth Rothermel entered into the presence of God on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, one year and one day after the anniversary of her beloved husband Bill's death in 2015. Funeral: 2 p.m. Friday at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. Interment: Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington. Visitation: 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, prior to the service at the funeral home. Ruth was born in Corinth on Aug. 27, 1920, to Florence and William Moses. She was truly a miracle baby since she was born when her mother, Florence, was 46 years old. Ruth was the only child she ever had. She had many half siblings, since William was a widower when he and Florence married. Ruth was especially close to her half-brother, Roy Moses, as he was just a few years older than her. Ruth was an outstanding woman in her educational endeavors; she received her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Women's University in 1938 when she was just 18 years old. She earned her master's degree in 1939 at the age of 19. She became a school teacher and her teaching career spanned more than 25 years. She taught in Junction and Electra, then in Hickman Mills, Mo. She was a reading and English teacher for 18 years at Carter Junior High in Arlington, where she was language arts department chair and chairwoman of the spelling bee. She was honored as Arlington ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year in 1976. She did all this and much more while raising three children. She met her husband, William, and they married on Nov. 2, 1943. They celebrated 71 years of marriage before Bill passed away in 2015. Ruth was an extraordinary woman; she was intelligent, but she never bragged about her accomplishments. She had a quiet, gentle spirit and the focus of her life was always her family. She spoiled her children and kept an immaculate house. When she moved her 98 year old mother to Arlington, she took care of her mother's needs until her death at the age of 105. Ruth grew up during the depression, and she never forgot her thrifty ways. She never cared for earthly possessions like fancy clothes or jewelry. Instead, she and Bill saved their money and rarely took vacations. She was loyal and extremely proud of her children's accomplishments. She knew the importance of a college education and made sure all of her children graduated from college. She was the sole breadwinner when her husband, Bill, decided to pursue his college degree after a career with Sears & Roebuck and after his having to drop out of high school and go to work during the depression. Her daughters, Diane and Sheri, along with husband, Bill, all became school teachers in Arlington and Mansfield. Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill; and son, Billy. Survivors: Daughters, Diane Brewer (husband, Del) and Sheri Harvey (husband, Joe); five grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. Wade Family Funeral Home Arlington, 817-2