Jimmie Ruth Thompson Spidell

Jimmie Ruth Thompson Spidell
(August 14, 1927 — January 8, 2021)
Jimmy Ruth, beloved wife, devoted mother and grandmother, gifted teacher and shining example of a life lived well in the light of God’s grace, died peacefully on January 8, at the age of 93.
Ruth will be lovingly remembered as a women of simple trusting faith—a role model of the kind of person, Christ called us to be. She was poor in spirit, showing us to trust God for guidance, strength and the providence and provisions for each day. And in turn, she lived to share that grace with us.
Ruth was faithful in so much. True to her upbringing, she was frugal, a planner...and, it was for one purpose, that in her generosity, she might give more. You see, when the chips were down, when there was a need, when you were in a bind, Ruth always found a way to come through for you.
Her kindness knew no bounds. Ruth’s favorite four words were, “How can I help?” And, her life was a testament to those words, in ways big and small. It started with her family and extended to all in need. Friends, neighbors, her church family. In her life you would find her bringing food to the sick. Comforting the grieving. Opening her home to a family who needed a place to stay. And of all things, even saving the life of a blind woman in a swimming pool—imagine that. Being in the right place, at the right time, to do the right thing. Providence. Even in her 80’s, still going strong in mind and spirit, inviting neighbors to attend church with her. So consistent. Letting her light shine. Faithful to her convictions to the end. Teaching us through her actions.
And how Ruth could light up the room with her laughter. Her face would gleam. Her blue eyes would sparkle. She loved to be teased. Because that just meant there was an opening for her to tease you right back—and, she was quite good at it. Her silly streak was infectious. It would lighten your heart and bring out the child in you. Kind of like the game she loved to play with her grandchildren, “Swinging Statue”...when she would joyfully exclaim “Awe me!” in reply to the sure request to do it again Maw Maw!
Ruth was a little mischievous, too. There’s no getting around it. Here’s a prime example. Sneaking off to teach teenage grandchildren how to drive...in the church parking lot of all places, is proof positive. But somehow she got away with it.
Through it all, in Ruth’s life you see the wisdom that comes to a heart open to the promptings of God’s voice. Ruth demonstrated courage and a willingness to change—for the good. That’s what made her such a gifted teacher and advisor and mentor to so many. Many came to her for advice, knowing that they would receive counsel that would be grounded in understanding. And, Ruth never disappointed. Never judged. She simply shared herself, in the only way she knew how—with wisdom, with love and an encouraging word.
That was her way.
Ruth was born on August 14, 1927 in Kerens, Texas to Jim Ellis Thompson and Bess E. Roach Thompson. She grew up in the small farming community of Corsicana, graduated High School there and left to attend Abilene Christian College in 1947. She transferred and enrolled at Texas Woman’s University the following year, graduating in 1949 with a BA degree in Music. She later went on to earn her master’s degree in music education.
While at Texas Woman’s, Ruth met Murray Clark Spidell, the love of her life. They were married on Christmas Eve, 1948. Shortly after Ruth’s graduation, the couple moved to Odessa, TX to begin their lifelong careers in education together. Murray eventually became principal at Odessa High School. Ruth taught in elementary school grades, as well as Music and piano. Ruth would want it noted that she was an accomplished, concert level pianist with a love of classics, which she played with expert precision and delight.
While in Odessa, the Spidell’s were active members of the 6th & Jackson Church of Christ where Ruth taught children’s Bible School for 20 years.
In 1976 the family moved to Lewisville TX, where Ruth taught at Hedrick Elementary School. She received Teacher of the Year Award in 1987. An active member of the Garden Ridge Church of Christ, Ruth taught Children's Bible Class and facilitated a Women's Bible Studies. In 2000 Ruth moved to Bedford, Texas to be close to children and grandchild.
Children: Ruth Anne Rusher (Timothy K. Rusher) of Bedford, TX and Mary Beth Woodall (Jeffrey Bruce Woodall) of Camden, SC.
Grandchildren: Rachel Lauren Woodall of Hurst TX, Jeffrey Clark Woodall of Washington, D.C., and Hannah Ruth Rusher of San Antonio
Great-Grandchild: Lily Beth Juelg of Hurst, TX
Jimmy Ruth Thompson Spidell, a classic LADY. Elegant and beautiful throughout her days. Someone to follow and emulate. She embodied love. She radiated it. Her example of love, kindness and faith, will be a lasting legacy we will share as her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to generations to come. It will live on.
Ruth traveled through life with clear purpose and a confident hope in her destination. She shines bright as the sun this very hour. And, will for evermore.