Obituary of Ruth F Berry

Ruth was the seventh of 12 children born to her parents Virgie and Everett. Growing up during the aftermath of the depression in Leonard was no bed of roses, times were hard. Her daddy Everett made moonshine and sold it to individuals in the area to keep food on the table for all the kids. Most of the daughters and brothers participated in the effort, knowing that it was essentially their meal ticket. So as a child Ruth developed a very strong character and will of her own. One of her favorite pastimes as youngster was dressing up in her momma’s high heels and walking around the house looking prissy. Her sister Helen told me, “Don’t let that fool you. Ruth was a firecracker.”She went on to tell me a story about how when they were younger she got so mad at one of her sisters she pushed her off the porch and broke her tooth. Although her temper sometimes got the best of her, she often made up very quickly due to her kind and caring nature. Ruth has had to face many hardships in her life, but she has battled against all adversity, always continuing to display great courage and a truly independent nature. For the better part of the last 40 years Ruth has lived in Sapulpa, OK, she has always been a well thought of and respected person with a lot of friends and close family. She regularly hosted Sunday dinners and always made a wide spread of delicious food (the dumplings were the best). Ruth started dating a man by the name of Don Berry in 1992. Although they had both known each other for the better part of a few decades, they grew closer and closer until marriage in 1998. They loved to work on their properties together and always kept busy. When it was break time both liked sipping on tea and enjoyed the summer weather. Don was considered a grandpa/father figure by all of the younger family. He was smart and kind hearted and took all of us under his wing until his passing in 1998. As kids, grandma’s house was a secondary home. All the grandchildren went over there every weekend and essentially grew up together. Without her home I doubt the family would be as close as they are to this day. I can fondly remember her waking the kids up early Saturday morning to take us “garage selling.” After we woke up we would walk into the the dining area where grandma could be found planning out the route via the Sapulpa paper. When she was done she would always drop $2.50 of quarters in each of our hands and then take us to the sales. Although as a kid it was fun, behind the scenes she was actually teaching us a valuable lesson that is lacking in today’s society… That valuable and defining characteristic was thrift. This is something that all of us kids carry with us to this day. Ruth was survived by her two daughters Sherri and Sissy. Both daughters carry on her tenacious personality and independent nature. She was also survived by her brother and sisters; Wayne, Helen, Bonnie and Shirlene. Ruth had some very specific wishes regarding her funeral, and she was in full control of the decision making regarding the arrangements. Ruth particularly requested a closed casket. Her intention was not to hurt or offend, but to be allowed to be celebrated with peace and with dignity; she felt that to control one’s own destiny was paramount. Though it must have been difficult at times, I hope her daughter Sherri will gain some comfort from knowing she was able to carry out Ruth’s wishes, as I’m sure Ruth gained comfort in knowing that she would. There are far too many people to mention here today, but she wishes you all a fond farewell and she told me if there is life after death where all is revealed, she will endeavor to pass on the next set of winning lottery numbers to all of you soon. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Green Hill Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday from 12-8 pm at Green Hill. The family has entrusted the services to the directors at Green Hill Funeral Home. 9182242312/www.greenhillok.com