Ruth Stroope

Ruth Arritta Stroope age 65 of Galveston, TX died August 4, 2010 in Galveston. She was born November 8, 1944 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and was a 39-year resident of Galveston. She graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a degree in Medical Technology. In 1971, she moved to Galveston to attend the UTMB Specialist in Blood Bank Program and worked in the UTMB Blood Bank for 28 years. Retiring in 1999, Ruth then spent many hours as a lay chaplain at UTMB and countless hours volunteering in various ministries.

Her life was full of love and joy, thanks to her decision to daily follow Jesus Christ. A member of University Baptist Church for 39 years, Ruth served in many capacities, including Sunday School teacher, children's church director, WMU director, secretary, leadership team and pastor advocate. She also had a passion for working as site coordinator and mentor for the Christian Women's Job Corps. Ruth loved watching people grow in their relationship with Christ and was always ready to offer a word and hug of encouragement to friends and strangers alike, though Ruth never met a stranger. It was clear she loved God with all of her heart, mind, and soul, as Ruth spent her life showing friends, family, coworkers and strangers that the love of God and hope of Christ were something each of them could have personally. It was this unapologetic desire to share the good news of Christ that significantly shaped the lives of her sons, Stephen and Earl.
Ruth is preceded in death by her father Leon Ross Stroope, Sr. Ruth is survived by her mother, Ruth Juanita Buck Stroope; brother Leon Ross Stroope, Jr.; nephew Jeff Craig of Arkadelphia, AR; son Stephen Ross Stroope, daughter-in-law Aubin, and 5 grandchildren of Odessa; son Earl Joseph Stroope of Galveston; son Toby Smith, daughter-in-law Darlene, and 5 grandchildren of Galveston; and kindred spirit, Janet Vincent of Galveston. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Booth, Bing Sombito, Roy DeFriese, and Lee Sombito.
Funeral services will be 10 AM Thursday in the Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Chapel with Rev. Marvin Pate officiating. Burial will be in the Richwoods Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Christian Women's Job Corps of Galveston County, 822 23rd Street, Galveston, Texas 77550.