King
Ruth Ann King, 80, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and cherished member of the Madill community, peacefully passed away on July 11, 2024, at Baptist Village in Oklahoma City, Okla. She was born May 24, 1944, in Merrill, Wis., to the late Frank and Mabel Carolyn Patterson Grisa.
She graduated from Janesville High School in 1962 and pursued her love for music at Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, Ill., where she earned her bachelor’s degree in music education. Ruth also attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla., where she earned a master’s degree in education.
On June 15, 1974, Ruth married the love of her life, John Daniel King, in Janesville, Wis. They shared a life rich with adventure and service. Ruth’s career as an educator spanned several states, touching the lives of students in Rockford, Ill., Lyons and Yuma, Colo., and communities in Oklahoma, including Cave Springs and Kingston.
In 1985, Ruth and John made Oklahoma their home, settling in Madill in 1994. Ruth was a charter member in the Singing Churchwomen of Oklahoma, where she was deeply involved. She was a member of Cumberland Baptist Church, where her faith in God shone brightly through her involvement and service.
Beyond her professional and church commitments, Ruth had a keen eye for antiques and enjoyed sharing her treasures with others through her booths in Atoka. Her leisure time was spent reading, working in her flower gardens, and traveling with John. Ruth also enjoyed playing the piano and her singing brought joy to those around her.
Ruth’s life was a testament to love and selflessness. As a dedicated minister’s wife, she embraced her role with grace and unwavering support. Her warm smile and kind heart endeared her to all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Mildred Rooney; brothers, Frank Grisa and Mark Grisa.
Ruth is survived by her husband, John King of Madill, Okla.; daughter, Rachel Bilderback, and son-in-law Anthony of Fort Belvoir, Va.; grandchildren, Ava and Finley Bilderback; sisters, Edith McNeeley Price of Dover, Ohio, Verna Burton of Rochester Hills, Mich., and Barbar Vignali of Wausau, Wis.; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mildred Rooney, and brothers, Frank Grisa and Mark Grisa.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Sabrina Blake, whose compassionate care enriched Ruth’s final years. They also express deep gratitude to Cross Timbers Hospice in Ardmore, Okla., for their loving support during Ruth’s time at home and to Traditions Hospice in Oklahoma City for their dedicated care during her final months.
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a family hour from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla.
The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 18, 2024, at the Watts Memorial Chapel in Madill, Okla. It will be officiated by Elmer Whitehead. Interment will be at the Woodberry-Forest Cemetery in Madill, Okla. Service will be under the direction of Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla. Condolences may be sent to wattsfuneralhome.com.
Casket Bearers will be Anthony Bilderback, Chris Bilderback, MatthewWood,DennisSelf,BillSelfandJimHenthorn.