Heatwole, Ruth Showalter (1901-1936)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1936 Jul 8 p. 6

Birth date: 1901 Jun 22

text of obituary:

Miss Ruth S. Heatwole

The loss of a loving and beautiful life came Saturday, June 20, at 3:40 o'clock P.M. at the Mennonite Sanatorium, when Miss Ruth Heatwole fell peacefully asleep in answer to a summons to "Come up Higher." Miss Heatwole has been a sufferer from tuberculosis for nearly six years, and during all her suffering maintained a constant spirit of resignation, coupled with a determination to regain health if a possibility of restoration existed.

She possessed a cheerful disposition, and formed an army of friends, who came to see her constantly when her health permitted, and she radiated a spirit of good cheer and optimism that encouraged those who were in far better circumstances. She maintained her interest in the outside world to the very end, and her passing leaves a feeling of sadness in the hearts of all those who came in contact with her.

Ruth Showalter Heatwole was born near Harrisonburg, Va., June 22, 1901, and lacked only two days of being thirty-five years of age when the end came Saturday. She was a daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Jacob A. Heatwole, and came with the family when they removed to La Junta in 1907, settling on a farm in Fairmount, three miles southwest of La Junta, where they have resided ever since.

Ruth is survived by her father, the Rev. Jacob A. Heatwole, and the following brothers and sisters: E. Herman Heatwole, Mrs. Mark G. Snyder, Lenna, Elisabeth, Sarah, and Jacob A. Heatwole, Jr., all residing in La Junta and vicinity.

She attended the public schools in Fairmount and spent three years in the local high school, following which she attended Hesston Academy and Bible School one year, graduating at Hesston in 1922. She then took up the profession of teaching, teaching five years at Fairview school near her home in Fairmont. She also attended college at Goshen, Ind., and was in her fourth year at that institution when she was stricken with tuberculosis, and compelled to abandon her school work and her profession as a teacher.

Ruth was converted at the age of 14 years, and was a faithful and devoted member of the Mennonite church.

Miss Heatwole was interested in the beautiful things of life, and especially in poetry. During her long illness she composed many poems, a number of which have been published. Two of her poems, and one by her sister, Lenna, were given by Ted Malone in his broadcast over the air, and incorporated in his book "The Book Ends".

She was interested in music, both vocal and instrumental, from her early childhood, and was also an artist of considerable ability. Many of her friends prize one of her poems, written by herself on a card, and ornamented with examples of her work in art.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 23 from the La Junta Mennonite Church, conducted by the Rev. Allen H. Erb, assisted by the Rev. Jess Kauffman. Committment {sic] services were in charge of the Rev. A. M. Leatherman.

The body was laid to rest in the Mennonite section of Fairview cemetery by the side of her mother who passed away about two years ago.