Electra

Edna Ruth James, age 91, of Electra, Texas passed away Monday, July 28, 2014, in Electra Memorial Hospital.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2014, at the First Baptist Church of Electra with Joe Ainsworth, retired minister of Electra, and Mike Watts, Pastor of the First Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in New Electra Cemetery under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Electra.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the First Baptist Church.

Ruth was born January 4, 1923 in Dundee, Texas to the late Edward Seymour Smith and Cornia Eula Hayley Smith.

She was a graduated from Electra High School in 1941 and then Draughon's Business College in Wichita Falls.

She and Fern James were married in Electra, Texas. He preceded in death on 1953.

She was employed as a railroad commission analyst for Continental Pipeline Oil Company, which later became Conoco, for thirty-five years.

Ruth was a lifelong and very active member of the First Baptist Church where she worked in the primary department and served as the Sunday School office secretary until her death. She also was a member of WMU for many years and served as the president of that organization for several years. Ruth enjoyed Bible studies and was a member of numerous Bible study groups throughout her life.

She was an avid reader and traveled throughout the world. After her retirement, Ruth enjoyed many crafts including needle works, ceramics, painting, and cross-stitching.

Ruth was the matriarch of the family and the glue that kept the family together especially during holidays and family occasions. She greatly enjoyed all holidays and decorating for each one. She was a great helper for her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them and was generous to a fault with everyone.

Survivors include two daughters, Janet Goodwin and husband, Weldon, of Electra and Judy Bennett and husband, Duane of Pflugerville, Texas; one brother, Glenn Coleman Smith and wife, Betty of Georgetown, Texas; four grandchildren, Joe Holley of Pflugerville, Paula Keels and husband, Jeff of Austin, Jana Holley of Pflugerville, and Cole Goodwin and wife, Vickie of Pflugerville; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and many wonderful friends.

She was also preceded in death by her sister, Ruby Faye Young.

The family suggests memorials to the First Baptist Church of Electra, Mission Fund, 406 West Garrison, Electra, Texas 76360.