Ruth Annie Polley
Ruth Annie Polley passed away peacefully at her home in West Orange on June 5, 2018. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Friday June 8, 2018 at First Baptist Church in Orange. Visitation will be at the same location beginning at 9:00. Officiating will be Reverend Barry Bradley of First Baptist. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens near Bridge City.
Ruth was born on December 28, 1924 near Kaplan, LA to Emanuel and Annie (Harper) Foreman. Following the death of Ruth’s mother in 1935, the family moved to Abbeville, where Ruth graduated from high school in 1942. In the same year, Ruth moved to Orange, TX. There, she worked at Prince’s grocery store, where she met Chester Delton Polley, whom she married on May 22, 1943. For the next twenty-four years, Ruth was a home maker and served in various capacities in the West Orange PTA, including multiple terms as president.
After her daughter Verna Jewell graduated from college, Ruth enrolled in LVN training in 1967 at Orange Memorial (later Baptist Hospital - Orange) where she began her second career, eventually going back to school at Lamar University to become a registered nurse. She worked as an intensive care nurse until her retirement from BHO in 1997 at age 72.
Following the death of her beloved husband Chester in 1992, Ruth lived independently in her home until the last few months of her life. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Orange and a regular volunteer there until her final illness. To know her was to be inspired by her strength, dignity, and self-sacrifice. She will be sorely missed.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and siblings Harold Foreman, Bill Foreman, Violet (Sis) Potts, Edna Jones, Lena Gaston, Thelma Hansen, and Clifford (Toter) Foreman. She is survived by daughters Verna Jewell Davidson (and Leon Hankins) and Pat Lund (and Rodney); grandchildren Matthew and Gregory Davidson, Randy Spurlock (Sandra), Pam Wilson, and Ted Spurlock (Patricia); great-grandchildren Carrie Wilson, Chris Spurlock, Sarah DeGennaro (Casey), Ian and Evan Spurlock, and Diego Robledo (Sarah); as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends who may as well be family. The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, the Meadows Nursing Home, and Southeast Texas Hospice for the care given in Ruth’s final months.
Donations can be made to First Baptist Church, Orange, 7637 MLK Drive, Orange, Texas 77632 in lieu of flowers.
Condolences
Tommy Chatlosh
June 7, 2018
Ruth was a friend and neighbor who will always hold a special place in my heart for the Christ-like example that she lived every day and for her kindnesses during a difficult time. The last time I saw her was mid-summer a few years ago. I was mowing grass at my parents' property just down and across the street from Ruth's home. I looked up to see her gingerly making her way down the street toward me - cold water and some fresh-baked brownies in hand. She saw me working in the heat and was worried about me. It was her way. We had a great conversation and - sweaty as I was - she insisted on a hug before heading back to her house. Special lady. My heartfelt condolences to the family and all who are missing her. - Tommy Chatlosh
Holley Trahan
June 7, 2018
Mrs Polley was one of the most wonderful people I have ever known. I loved every minute I spent with her in and out of work. I know she will be missed everyone.
Anonymous
June 6, 2018
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Ruth Annie Polley.
Linda Ruth, Johnny, Kathy And Abby
June 6, 2018
Linda Ruth, Johnny, Kathy and Abby purchased the Your Light Shines for the family of Ruth Annie Polley.