Ruth Marie Rich

Ruth Marie Rich October 7, 1929 - November 13, 2013 Ruth Marie Rich of Hewitt lived a strong and dedicated Christian life and went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 13, 2013. Services will be 3:30 p.m., Sunday, November 17, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with Terry Graham officiating. Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 18, at Waco Memorial Park Mausoleum. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, November 16, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel. Ruth was born October 7, 1929, to Rev. F.O. and Mattie Polston in Melrose, New Mexico. Ruth was the valedictorian of her high school class and then enrolled in Hardin Simmons University. She graduated in 1951 with a major in sociology and a minor in Bible. She loved music and sang in Dr. Euel Porter's a cappella choir. Ruth and Charles were married a few days after her college graduation. After both of our children started to school, Ruth began a career of 22 years teaching first grade. Ruth directed children's choirs in the churches where her husband was Minister of Music. She was asked by the Texas Baptist Church Music Dept. to conduct leadership conferences to help and inspire directors of younger children's choirs. She led conferences in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mew Mexico and California. She also led conferences in two national conference centers, Glorieta, N.M. and Ridgecrest, North Carolina. For 18 years Ruth was a published writer for the Southern Baptist Children's Music Leadership Magazine, and also prepared the curriculm materials for the children's "Music Makers" magazine. After their retirement, Charles became the conductor of the Baylor Singing Seniors here in Waco. Ruth sang in the choir for 14 years, kept attendance records, contacted absentees, and went with Charles to visit members who were sick or had surgery or an unusual time of difficulty. Her hobby was making beautiful, life-like porcelain dolls and their clothes. She is survived by husband, Charles; their son, Dr. Steve Rich and wife, Jennifer; daughter, Dr. Sheryl Lane and husband, Ben; grandchildren, Chris and wife, Elizabeth, Mark, Catherine and husband, Matt, and Erin; and two brothers, David Polston and wife, Val, and Charles Polston. Music, especially church music, was so important to Ruth. If you would like to give a donation in her memory, you may do so by helping the Singing Seniors of Baylor University buy their music. Please send any donation to the Singing Seniors, c/o Philip Sitton, conductor, at 3405 Fern Hill Circle, Waco, TX 76708. Ruth struggled many years with cancer which ultimately took her life. You may choose to support cancer research through Texas Oncology Cancer Centers PALS at 1700 W. Highway 6, Waco, TX 76712, where the doctors and nurses were very helpful and encouraging to Ruth. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.