Ruth Branum, Memorial
As a Christian woman, she saw the beauty of God’s world in people, flowers and nature. She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ in Muskogee, serving as an elder’s wife, mentor, children’s Bible school teacher and hostess to the loveliest wedding and baby showers. She was known for her gracious hospitality, beautiful gardens and strong faith.
Ruth blessed friends and family with flowers, plants and produce for decades. She and her husband were strong promoters of Oklahoma Christian University, where Vic was one of the original incorporators and trustees.
Ruth was an active volunteer —beginning with making bandages for soldiers during World War II. She volunteered at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, Volunteers of America, Muskogee Regional Medical Center and served faithfully as a member of the Chandler Road Church of Christ in Muskogee.
During the last year of her life, she was not only loved by her family and friends, but also by her new friends and caregivers at Aberdeen Heights Assisted Living, Seasons Hospice and at Clarehouse.
She is survived by her son, Richard Branum of Fort Smith, Ark., and daughter Eleanor Miller (Dan), of Tulsa, Okla.; grandchildren: Richard Dale Branum, Melissa Branum, Monna Miller Gilpin (James), Mike Miller (Holly) and Matt Miller; great-grandchildren Andrew Gilpin, Meghan Gilpin and Annie Miller; sisters Rubye Cox (age 111) of Bristol, R.I., and Rose Shloss, (age 103) of Sarasota, Fla.; sister-in-law Thelma Gawf of Omaha, Neb.; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Victor Austin Branum; her parents John and Lenora Belle Rodgers Gawf; brothers Laverne, Elmer, and J.C. Gawf and sister Frances Gawf Rogers; daughter-in-law Helen Branum and nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Hope Harbor Children’s Home, P.O. Box 1047, Claremore, OK 74018 or In Search of the Lord’s Way, P.O. Box 371, Edmond, OK 73083.
