Her children called her Dear - and we called her sister. Our family at Hillcrest Church of Christ lost someone truly special yesterday. But our loss was heaven's gain. Our sister in Christ, Ruthie Chapman, passed from this life yesterday. She was a true friend who allowed her light to shine brightly for Jesus every day.
So much can be said about a life well-lived -- about Ruthie's life. In my opinion however, the best description of Ruthie is all wrapped up in the name her children gave her years ago. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren all called her "Dear" and what could be more appropriate for she was truly dear to them all.
She was such a great mother and friend to them all and they loved her for that. Ruthie always tried to do the right thing and her example provided a guiding light for her family. She loved spending time with all of them!
She was always so happy when her children and grandchildren came to visit. Oh how big her smile would be - how she glowed with pride in all their accomplishments. Her family was so important to her. I smile now thinking of her happiness.
Ruthie's grandchildren, even in their teenage years when they could be doing other things, would come spend extra time with her during holidays from school. I always thought that spoke volumes about her personality -- her character. Those big strong boys would tower over her and she would look up at them with such pride and joy! And I'm sure they enjoyed her good cooking while they were in her home!
Can you imagine being so well-loved by your family they call you "Dear?" Ruthie was loved that much!! She took care of them, she cooked for them, she guided and taught them. She provided a home for them. She laughed with them and even played with them. She talked about playing with the younger grands when they were with her. Ruthie was there for her family whenever they needed her. She was definitely the rock of her family.
Ruthie was also a faithful and loving wife. She patiently cared for IJ during his illness. She took care of him at home as long as she possibly could. When he was moved to a facility where he had access to full time nursing care, she still spent several hours of every day with him.
IJ's favorite verse was Matthew 6:33 and she honored him by using it several times as her scripture on her page in our Ladies' Retreat calendar. Ruthie always tried to honor her husband. What a wonderful example for all wives to follow! If we lived by that scripture everything in our lives would fall into place.
Her children called her Dear - we called her Sister. Ruthie was our sister in Christ. It was my honor to share this bond with her - the saving blood of Christ. She was strong and faithful and served the Lord with grace and dignity. Ruthie had a true servant heart. She was always willing to do whatever anyone asked of her ... and she did it very well.
She served the Lord enthusiastically and loved being a part of the activities at Hillcrest. She was absent only when she was traveling or not feeling well. She loved to travel and visit her brothers and sisters. I missed her when she was away from us (all of us did). But we also rejoiced in knowing she was able to see those she loved so well and didn't get to see often.
Personally, I had a great respect for Ruthie and her faithfulness. She was a trooper. She had a quiet nature -- was gentle and soft-spoken; but she knew her Bible. It was a joy and blessing to be in our Ladies' Bible class with her. She offered so many jewels of wisdom.
Ruthie loved to go to ladies' days and retreats. Those of us who shared these times with her have great memories of her sense of fun. She loved to participate in our goofy skits and she loved to laugh. These were special times for us. We will always remember the joy her presence brought to us -- and the friendship we shared with her. As I said before it was our honor - my honor!
Ruthie was a trusted friend. I could always talk to her. I laughed with her and I prayed with her. She loved her God, that's for sure!
She knew what it was to be part of the body of Christ. Ruthie rejoiced with us when we rejoiced and wept with us when we wept. The depth of strength and faith my sister had was unfathomable. If you knew much about her at all, you know her faith in God went deep! Her faith was the biggest part of who she was.
There is a passage of scripture that comes to mind when I think of Ruthie. I think it fits her life perfectly. It comes from Colossians 3:1-3 - verse 1
" If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."
Ruthie had been raised with Christ to walk a new life. She definitely sought His will - sought the things that are above.
verse 2 - "Set your minds on things above, not on things that are on earth."
My sister was a constant encouragement to many of us to be better -- to do better. She didn't think about earthly things. She had her goal set on heaven.
verse 3 - "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
She was one of the least selfish people I have ever known. She always thought of others. If anyone ever hid her own life with Christ in God, it was Ruthie Chapman.
So much has already been said about our lovely sister. So many memories shared and so much love expressed. Ruthie was precious to many many people and she will be missed.
Now for the best part -
Colossians 3:4 - "When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."
Her children called her Dear, we called her Sister and the Lord called her home.
Christ above all things,
Robin Whitley
