Mary Ruth Haney

John 16:22 “Therefore, you will have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice and your joy no one will take from you.” O n No v. 20, 2023, Mar y Ruth Haney, a longtime resident of Rockdale, passed away quietly in Dallas to her home in Heaven after a brief hospital stay. She was 94 years old.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Mary and Claud Haney; brother Vernon Claud Haney; sisters Anna Lucille Penney and Barbara June King.

She leaves behind her sister Bessie Nell Jackson of Arlington, WA; her brother, Jack Andrew Haney of Garland; brother David Claud Haney of Garland; six nieces and nephews, six great-nieces and nephews and many close and treasured friends and neighbors.

Born in Nevada, Texas, on March 25, 1929, Ruth was the third of six children.

Her father worked for the Cotton Belt Railroad and after a few years moved the family to Mt. Pleasant, where she was raised during the Depression years.

Ruth was very intelligent and graduated with honors as salutatorian from Mt. Pleasant High School and then again with honors from Federal Institute of Tyler, before moving to Rockdale in 1953 to begin a long and successful career working for Alcoa and IGC, rising to an esteemed position in personnel. She retired in the late ’80s after many years of service.

Although never married, our Aunt Ruth was most special to our family and deeply loved. She considered her nieces and nephews her own and was always there for us. She was the favorite at every family gathering, bringing not only her wonderful homemade delicacies but her special brand of joy and love for all. The fun didn’t start until Aunt Ruth arrived. She was selfless and hard working so that others could be blessed.

She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ, teaching children’s Bible classes most of her life. Her abiding faith in God was her strength and joy.

A woman of simple pleasures Ruth found happiness in gardening, cooking, spending time with family and friends, reading mystery novels and watching old movies. She was a good friend, citizen, neighbor and will be missed by anyone who knew her well.

There will be a graveside gathering in lieu of a memorial service for family only, at the family cemetery in Greenville.

Ruth would have you be assured from 1 Thessalonians 4:13 that “We do not grieve as those without hope, for we believe that Jesus died and rose again.”

Ruth was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.