A Life of Inspiration

Ruth Wimberly passed on Tuesday, June 28 at her Tulsa residence. Born on September 23, 1923, while her parents resided in Hoyt, Oklahoma, Ruth was nurtured and educated from the family residence in West Tulsa. She commuted by trolley to Central High School in downtown Tulsa. Her post-secondary education continued at the business school in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Ruth was a successful woman in business before women were as prevalent in the male-dominated business world. As a successful entrepreneur, she researched and purchased residential real estate and marketed various products. In the latter, Ruth owned her own business that improved the quality of life for cancer patients. Helping others was a natural function of her being.

Likely, it was her undying relationship with God that pervaded her spirit.

A stunning compendium of advice, inspiration and direction from a collection of little pieces of paper, collected in a box, became Momma Says - her personal book to her daughter, Sue. Ruth's introduction includes, "I am so grateful to have the support and love of my Savior. God is with me. He is in me and around me. He is the light of my life. He is my support system. He sent me the Holy Spirit to give me, and my angels, comfort and protection."

Ruth was a lifelong student of the Bible, cherishing her travels to the Holy Land. She radiated unrestricted and unprejudiced love for everyone. Her compassion, generosity, selflessness, words and actions inspired all around her. She always sacrificed for others, never said a bad word about anybody and Ruth knew people all over the globe.

For four decades she traveled the world - it was her addiction. Her passport contains stamps of many nations. Of all the global destinations she visited, the Orient was her favorite, perhaps, because of its array of exotic adventures. She became enthralled with riding elephants. If there were an opportunity to saunter through the countryside on the back of an over-sized pachyderm, she was first in line. At the age of 85, she walked the China Wall, climbed to the peak of Machu Picchu in Peru. Ruth's physical exercise was not limited to foreign soil.

She loved her swimming class at St. John Health Club where strong bonds with a group of treasured ladies developed. They met for celebratory lunches and, sometimes, just because. And she loved going to the movies on Wednesday and Saturday, First Methodist Church on Sunday.

Ruth was a milestone person. Like that inspiring teacher or life-changing minister, she positively and permanently impacted those she met. Without being a towering giant in stature, the diminutive gal was a beacon of goodness. Ruth's genuine persona influenced all those around her. Ruth led classes on positive thinking, way before Oprah She lived what she taught. She was authentic.

The legacy of Ruth Wimberly continues through all the people she has touched; family, friends and acquaintances, who persevere to live up to her standards of honoring their walk with the Lord while showing respect and kindness for all peoples.