Ruth Bruton

Menelva "Ruth" was born in the boomtown of Three Sands, Oklahoma to Thomas Edmond "Eddie" White and Rosa Truitt White on February 11, 1927. Eddie was an oil well pumper for Gulf Oil and Rosa was a homemaker.

Ruth passed from this life on September 17, 2020. One day a junior high teacher, who would one day be her brother-in-law, said her name was too long. She was there after known as Ruth. When in high school a cute boy riding on the roof peak of a house being moved caught her attention. He turned out to be John Bruton. When he returned from serving in the Army in World War II they were married on July 21, 1946.

Ruth graduated from Sasakwa High School. She received a Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma A & M. She completed a Masters Degree in Fashion Merchandizing and Interior Design from Oklahoma State University. Ruth's first job was developing a vocational home economics program for the school in Salina, Oklahoma. John was developing a vocational agricultural program for Salina. They made many lifelong friends in Salina. After two years they moved to Coweta with a new baby, Sharron. While in Coweta she was asked by the local ONG manager to represent them in the Mrs. Oklahoma contest. Garry was about 6 weeks old at the time of the contest. Ruth was first runner up. She shared responsibilities playing the organ at church while living in Coweta. After thirteen years Ruth and John moved to Muskogee while he finished his doctorate. During the summer of 1968 they moved to Shawnee. John had the opportunity to lead from the ground up the development of Gordon Cooper Technology Center as the first superintendent. Ruth joined Shawnee Public schools and completed 40 years of teaching.

Ruth was an exceptional seamstress. Tailoring suits, making curtains and drapes wherever they lived and making many of her and Sharron's clothes. She was always trying new recipes. Christmas brought beautiful hand dipped chocolates, the best peanut brittle and other yummy treats. Ruth enjoyed teaching her students to sew and cook. Organization seemed to be a natural talent. She was a supportive, encouraging positive person to all she met.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Eddie and Rosa, and husband Dr. John C. Bruton.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law Sharron and Paul Pounds of Shawnee, son and daughter-in-law Dr. Garry and Luanne Bruton of Ft. Worth, Texas, grandchildren Ethan Pounds of Oklahoma City, OK, John L. Bruton of Stroud, OK, Stephanie Bruton of Denver, CO, and Ford Bruton of Chicago, IL, and Brother Rev. T. Edmond White of Madison, WI. She leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

The family would like to thank the staff of Belfair for their care and concern for Ruth.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 301 N Beard Shawnee, OK 74801, Circle of Care 1501 NW 24th ST STE 214 Oklahoma City, OK 73106, Gordon Cooper Technology Center Foundation 4801 N Harrison. Shawnee, OK 74804. ATT Rhonda Brady.

Graveside services will be Wednesday September 23, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Resthaven Memorial Park with Rev. Dr. Tiffany Nagel Monroe officiating. Masks requested.