Ruth Lee Browning Hunt's Obituary
Ruth Lee Browning Hunt peacefully left this earth on Monday, October 27,2008. She was the eldest daughter of Herschel and Nell Cowan Browning born on November 14, 1912 in McClarin, OK. The family moved to Muskogee and Ruth graduated from Muskogee High School where she played basketball for the Muskogee Roughers. She married Willie James Hunt on August 23, 1931. During World War II Ruth managed PX #1 at Camp Gruber serving the 88th, Rainbow and Blackhawk Divisions.
The family moved to Fayetteville in 1945 after purchasing Citizens Laundry and Linen Service. Ruth and Willie attended First Baptist Church and later became charter members of University Baptist Church, where Ruth taught Sunday School classes to children in second and third grade. In 1971 the couple moved to Glendale, CA to retire and manage several apartment complexes. They moved back to Fayetteville in April of 1986 with Ruth’s twin sisters. Willie died that August.
Ruth was an accomplished artist, particularly in china and porcelain painting, and spent many enjoyable hours with her sisters doing arts and crafts and at the Senior Center painting. She was a talented pianist and taught private students in Oklahoma. She also was an accomplished seamstress and created many “high fashion” Easter outfits and original Halloween costumes for the grandchildren. The grandchildren loved going to Granny’s house as her candy dish was always full and they left for home with a “carryout” bag full of their favorite pieces. They loved her spaghetti and knew that at her house they could always eat dessert first.
She and her sisters were members of First Baptist, Springdale, where they participated in senior adult activities and sang in the Sanctuary Choir. She particularly enjoyed the 24 hour prayer ministry and Bible Study Class conducted over the phone after she could no longer attend in person. The three sisters moved into North Hills Life Care in 2005 where they participated in all the activities and made many new friends. Ruth would personally go visit newcomers and reassure them of the many opportunities at their new home. Her sisters preceded her in death in 2006-07.
Ruth is survived by her son Dr. James Hunt (Margaret) of Fayetteville; grandson Rob of Yukon, OK (Janelle); grandson Andy of Alexander, AR (Pam); granddaughter Lisa Lovell of Elm Springs, AR (Mark); granddaughter Leslie Sample of Benton, AR (Daniel), and eleven great grandchildren. She is survived by one brother-in-law, Lloyd Hunt (Gloria) of Muskogee, OK; nephews Larry Hunt (Loy Dawn) of Fayetteville and Terry (Maryal) of Pierce City, MO; and niece, Marcia Brown of Springdale.
The family extends their profound appreciation to Dr. Terry Weaver and Dr. Roger Montgomery for their compassionate care; to the entire staff of North Hills Life Care for their loving care of Miss Ruth over the past three years; to Pastors Charlie Foster, Joe Dorman, and Ken Stone of her church for their weekly visits; the men of FBC Fayetteville for the faithful teaching of the Bible each week, along with Mrs. Louise Holland of University Baptist Church for her friendship and scripture teaching ministry. Sincere thanks also to Circle of Life Hospice for their invaluable care and loving support.
A memorial service celebrating Ruth’s life will be Wednesday, October 29, 2:00 p.m. at North Hills Life Care, 27 Appleby, Fayetteville, with Pastors Rob Hunt and Charlie Foster presiding. A private service of internment will be held.
The family has requested that any memorials be directed to the Senior Adult Ministry of First Baptist Church, Springdale, AR. or to Circle of Life Hospice, Springdale, AR.
Visitation Date Time None Visitation Location Service Date Time Wednesday, October 29, 2008 2:00 PM Service Location North Hills Life Care, 27 Appleby Fayetteville, AR
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