Evelyn "Ruth" Bennett was born April 16, 1934, in Chetopa, Kansas, to
Edwin and Erma Brown. All of her childhood was lived in Howe, Oklahoma.
She married and moved, first to Southern California, then Houston, and later to
Fort Smith. Returning to Howe in 2010, high school sweethearts Ruth and
Tom Bennett were married. In 2019 Ruth moved to spend the remainder of her
91 years in Denton, close to her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren.
Ruth was proud to be on the Howe Public School basketball team and drama
club, and while in California she attended Orange Coast College to further her
education.

In 1973, under the ministry of Chuck Smith at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa,
California, Ruth met Jesus and was baptized in the Pacific Ocean. Knowing
Jesus changed her life forever.

Ruth enjoyed being active and helping people. She was a one-time member of
Young Republicans; led women's bible studies; helped cancer patients choose a
wig during their chemotherapy; cooked and distributed meals, and ran errands
for shut-ins; and, volunteered at the VA center. She got a kick out of being a
contestant in the Ms. Senior Arkansas Pageant. After becoming a certified
paraprofessional, Ruth worked with preschoolers in Fort Smith and Howe.
During her last years spent in Howe, Ruth particularly enjoyed socializing at
the senior center, and being an active member of Howe's Highway Baptist
Church.

Three husbands preceded Ruth in death: Glenn Salley (married 22 years), Joe
Felkner (married 31 years), and Tom Bennett (married four years). She is
survived by her four children: Scott Salley (Beverly), Howe, Oklahoma; Joye
Messerli (Mike, deceased 2023), Denton, Texas; George "Andy" Salley
(Shirley), Trinity, Texas; and Sandi Felkner. Her grandchildren: Christy [Salley]
Davison (Randy); Naomi Salley; Joseph Salley (Marissa); Ian Messerli
(Tiffany); and, Lindsay Messerli (Krys); Cece Nodes and Sean Nodes; and her
16 grandchildren.

Two brothers surviving Ruth are Ron Brown, Longview, Texas, and James
Poole, Willis, Texas. Preceding her in death were Marilyn Sue Poole, Betty
Ross, Charles Poole, and Joan Beshears.

Send notes or cards to: Joye Messerli, 5201 Par Drive #1714, Denton, TX
76208