Ruth, Ernest Paul (1885-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Nov 26 p. 3

Birth date: 1885 Nov 26

text of obituary:

WELL KNOWN REEDLEY BUSINESS MAN CALLED AWAY IN DEATH

Reedley, Calif. — Funeral services were held here Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 18, for Ernest P. Ruth, well known local business man who died Sunday, Nov. 15, after a long illness. Death came to Mr. Ruth in the Reedley hospital, where he was a patient.

Mr. Ruth, a native of Harvey county, Kansas, came to Reedley 45 years ago and through most of these years was associated with the Reedley Lumber Co. He was a former deacon and treasurer of the First Mennonite church, where funeral services were also held, Rev. Aaron J. Epp officiating. Mrs. Ruth, a son and a daughter survive.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Dec 24 p. 9

text of obituary:

ERNEST PAUL RUTH

Ernest Paul Ruth, Reedley, Calif., son of John A. and Clara Eymann Ruth was born Nov. 25, 1885, at Halstead, Kansas. He received his common education in the elementary schools and at the Bethel Academy.

On Nov. 8, 1901, he was baptized upon his confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour from sin and death by Rev. S. S. Baumgartner, and received into the Garden Township Mennonite church at Hesston, Kan.

In 1908 he came to Reedley, Calif, and became employed in the Western Lumber Co. This remained his life-long vocation. He started his own business in 1921. It was also at this time that he found his life’s companion in Meta Wichmann. They were married in St. Lotus, Mo., Sept. 20, 1911, but made their home in Reedley. To this union of 42 years were born two children, Esther and E. Paul. He was a good husband and father, always being concerned about the welfare of his children.

In December 1912 he transferred his membership to the First Mennonite church at Reedley, where he remained a faithful member to his death. He was active in the church, having served as deacon, church treasurer and participated heartily in the men’s chorus, of which he was a charter member, and the Sunday School. He was a member of the California Lumbermen's Association, a charter member of the Reedley Kiwanis Club and committee member of the local Y.M.C.A. Singing was one of his greatest pleasures, and he had many favorite hymns, one of which was “Jesus Lover of My Soul.”

The departed had been sick almost a year, but nevertheless maintained a great desire to have the Word of God read to him and to worship in the church. The privilege was granted him to attend church services during the last months, being also able to partake of the Lord’s Supper Oct. 4. His last church attendance was Oct. 25, which was a great pleasure to him.

He passed away Sunday morning, Nov. 15, 1953, 8:30 a.m. in the Reedley hospital, lacking ten days of being 68 years of age.

Mourning his departure are his wife, Meta, two children, Esther at home, E. Paul of Camarillo, Calif., one daughter-in-law, Corinna; two sisters, Mrs. Stella Dettweiler of Reedley, and Emma, teacher in the Kodaikanal Mission School, India; four brothers, Arthur, Rudolph, his twin brother, Paul, all of Reedley, Dan in Kansas, besides many relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, one sister, Barbara Vogt and a brother August H.

Funeral services were conducted at the First Mennonite church of Reedley on Nov. 18 at 2:00 p.m. by Rev. Aaron J. Epp. A prayer service at the home preceded the church service. Texts were John 14:1-3 and Psalm 1. Music selections included a solo, “After” by Reuben Cooprider; “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” and “It Was For Me” by the men’s chorus; and “He Knows It All,” sung at the cemetery by a mixed quartet. — The Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1953 Dec 8 p. 768