Ruth Maxine Ray, 99, passed away Thursday, June 6, 2013, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born August 22, 1913, in Fairfield, IL, to Minnie M. Harry Murphy and James P. Murphy. Ruth grew up in Sulphur, Oklahoma where she graduated from High School. In 1928, she married Glen Mulford Ray. Shortly thereafter, she became the wife of the mayor of Sulphur when Glen was elected the youngest mayor in the state of Oklahoma. Together they had three children, Tommy Pat, Betty Lou and Billy Glen.



The family relocated to Tulsa in the 1940's. Ruth worked for Sears and Roebuck Co. and retired in 1981 after 30 years of employment. She was active in the Sears retiree group for many years. One of the things Ruth was most known for, were her Sunday night dinners. Dinners she prepared with love every week for her family, and friends were always welcome. If lucky, her "famous" green grape pie was offered for dessert. Ruth was a talented seamstress, loved to create ceramic pieces and tend to her beautiful flowers. Ruth's pets were particularly dear to her; among them were pigs, rabbits, Hobo the talking Parrot, Myrtle the Turtle, and her beloved dogs who she even trained to eat at a small table! She loved to travel (particularly to Disney World and cruises) and continued to do so up until five years ago. Ruth attended Christ United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Esther Circle.



Her family was truly her life!



Ruth is survived by her loving daughter, Betty Lou Ray Oswald; grandchildren: Brenda Johnson (Ron), Barbara Ellard, Kimberly Hall (Bruce) and Christopher Ray; great grandchildren: Jillian Ellard (fiance Patrick Danner), Jordan Ellard, Lauren Ray, Tommy Dallenbach and Timothy Hall; great niece: Karen Young and great nephews: Larry Finley, Alan Finley, Todd Murphy and Steve Murphy; and several great-great nieces and nephews.



Proceeded in death by her husband Glen Ray; her devoted son Tommy Pat; her infant son Billy Glen; her son-in-law Bob Oswald and her five siblings.