Ruth Estelle Haynes Willis of Rockwall, Texas passed away peacefully at Oxford Glen Memory Care Center in Carrollton Texas, on July 29, 2021. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm Sept. 11 in the chapel of First Baptist Rockwall with a family graveside service to precede at Rest Haven Memorial Park.
Ruth was born on Feb. 10, 1928, to Aaron and Omie Haynes in Shreveport, La. where she grew up and attended C.E. Byrd High School and Centenary College. She also attended Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia AK. Ruth loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved her friends at Rockwall First Baptist church where she was an active member and passionate volunteer for more than 20 years. She loved the ladies’ golf associations at many golf courses, but especially KickingBird Golf Club in Edmond, Okla., where she served on the board.
In a 1944 essay titled ‘My Life’ written as a college freshman, Ruth said she loved traveling, was looking forward to being a good secretary and that after the war wanted to learn to fly a plane. She accomplished all these things in her long life having lived in many cities, traveled internationally, had a good career, and learned to fly, alongside her husband of 23 years Henry (Hank) Willis. We should all be so lucky to have fulfilled our college dreams with such fervor.
She is survived by her sons: Mike Bevel and wife Mary of Carrollton, Texas, Jerry Bevel and his wife Lonna of Andrews, Texas and Greg Bevel and his wife Wendy of Dallas; stepsons: Charles Willis and wife Cindy of Hoover, Ala. and Richard Willis of Nashville, Tenn.; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband: Henry Willis; siblings: Lynella Birdsong and Aaron (Sonny) Haynes; grandson: Cpl. Ray Michael Bevel; and great-grandson: Charlie Amos Hornback.
The family would like to thank the nurses, staff, and hospice nurses of Oxford Glen Memory Care Center Carrollton, and Ameriprime Hospice Services who made Ruth and her family feel so loved in the final weeks of her time here with us. Their thoughtfulness and caring will not soon be forgotten.
For those who wish to pay their respects, Ruth requested donations be made to Rockwall County Helping Hands https://rockwallhelpinghands.com/ or the Dementia Society of America hhtps:// www.dementiasociety.org in lieu of flowers.
Inurnment will be held 10:30am Saturday, September 11, 2021, at Rest Haven Memorial Park.
