Ruth Alice Anderson

Funeral services for Ruth Alice Anderson will be held at 11:00 AM, on Friday, August 19, 2022, at Hale’s Memorial Chapel, in Sulphur, with Harold Hunt and Reverend Bill Leveridge officiating. Interment will follow at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Wynnewood.

Ruth was born August 20, 1935, in Hollis, OK, to the late Bryan Carlos & Alma (Curb) Putnam. She passed from this life on Thursday, August 11, 2022, in Ada, at the age of 86 years, 11 months and 17 days. Ruth and Mr. John Morton Anderson were married on June 19, 1958, in Wynnewood. He preceded her in death on May 25, 2017.

Ruth met John while she was teaching in Wynnewood. After attending an event together, he convinced her to spend almost 59 years married to him, which took enough patience to almost qualify her for sainthood! She spent countless hours being his passenger to hundreds of Sulphur Bulldog events. They were always together (except when it came time to watch their different TV channels) and showed that love can make it through even the toughest of times.

She and John moved to Turner Ranch after getting married, where she soon made Sulphur home, by pouring her time and talents into many community projects. She was an extremely active member of the Sulphur United Methodist Women, where she helped with countless dinners, fundraisers, and other outreach programs. Throughout her time at SUMC, she played a part in many kids’ lives, whether it was Bible Buddies, youth group, VBS, or Sunday School. She loved using her sewing and creative abilities to design custom costumes and angel wings for Christmas programs.

Ruth was an active member of the Sulphur Tulip Garden Club for many years and even held district leadership roles. Many hours were spent watering and helping beautify Sulphur’s library. She was also extremely involved in Murray County 4-H and helped her children and grandchildren with costumes, skits, table settings, demonstrations, and even helped create the Goat Club.
Ruth Anderson had a true servant’s heart. Her legacy will live on throughout her recipes (her famous salad dressing and ham loaf are impossible to forget), her community service, and the generations of children lucky enough to be branches of her family tree.

Survivors include her children, Jackie Lynn Whitley & husband Colin of Seminole, John McRay Anderson & wife Carla of Waverly, TN, Tammie Benn of Sulphur, and Bryan Anderson of Sulphur; twelve grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Motley & husband Tom, and Fredda Mitchell of Amarillo; as well as one sister-in-law, Mary McFaddin of Altus.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by one brother, Edwin Putnam: and one brother-in-law, Rayworth Mitchell.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Murray County 4-H Club, in memory of Ruth.