Judge Kenneth Ray Ruthart || Obituary

On Nov. 20, 2023, Judge Kenneth Ray Ruthart, at the age of 91, departed this life for his heavenly home.  Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Rev. Wade White officiating.  Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, from 5 -7 p.m.  Ken was born on Feb. 27, 1932, in Slabtown to Willliam Phillip Ruthart and Mary Frances Moss.  He was the second youngest of nine children.

Life in his early years was humble; but his home was filled with hard work, joy and laughter.  Ken learned many life lessons from his parents, brothers, and one sister.  The siblings were loyal to one another and remained close for their entire lives.  Ken attended school in Slabtown.

In his teenage years, Ken met and fell in love with his wife, Maurice “Recie” Bolton.  They married on Nov. 29, 1952, and started a beautiful life together which joyfully grew for 56 years.  Born of their love were two sons, Dickey Ray Ruthart in 1954 and Larry Don Ruthart in 1956.

Following in one of his brother Deener’s footsteps, Ken went to work for General Motors in Arlington in 1958.  After 35 successful years and countless friendships, Ken retired in 1985.  During Ken and Recie’s early married life, they dreamed and worked diligently to live a modest life so that they could return to their beloved home in Lamar County.  After moving to Powderly in 1985 and those many years at GM, Ken was not finished with his desire to serve his family and community.  

In 1985, Ken joined the Powderly Fire Department where he later became Fire Chief and served for ten years.  He also worked for his brother-in-law, Sam Bolton, opening Bomart in the early morning hours.  In 1995, Ken felt called to begin another career as a Justice of the Peace in Lamar County, Pct. 4.  Ken served as a judge for 21 years retiring on Aug. 1, 2016.  Do you see a pattern here?  Ken loved God, his family and his community.  He was always willing to serve where he was needed.  He taught us how to live life well!

Ken was a long-time member of Cowboy Church in the Camp and loved his church family.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Recie and his eight siblings.

Survivors include two sons, Dickey Ray Ruthart; Larry Don Ruthart and wife, Karen; and Elayne Ruthart; two granddaughters, Lindsey Rae Ruthart Pace and husband, Jason; Lori Lynn Ruthart; seven great-grandchildren, Katherine Donovan Nicoud, Aly Grace Dollins, Grace Frances Valdez, Ely Shawn Dollins, Mia Catherine Valdez, Weaver Reece Pace, Adalynn Marie Dollins; sisters-in-law, Reva Bolton and Peggy and husband Denny Head; and numerous nieces and nephews.

These words cannot adequately describe the man that Ken Ruthart was.  He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, co-worker, brother-in-Christ and friend.  Ken was loving, fun, mischievous, joyful, loyal and a man of character and integrity who loved God.  There are not enough adjectives to describe him.  When we were in his presence, he made us feel like we were the most important person in his life.  That is a beautiful gift to give to those you love.  He was a magnet that drew people to him. We could never go anywhere (and we mean anywhere) that he did not run into someone he knew or strike up a conversation with someone and make a new friend.  We will miss Ken more than we can express.  

Pallbearers:  Rick Ruthart, Will Ruthart, Brett Ruthart, Rod Ruthart, Brad Ruthart, Jeff Bolton, 

Honorary Pallbearers: Tim Risinger, Don Dennison, Jimmy Steed, Crystal Duke, James  Mazy, Michael Woodson, Anson Amis, Ernie Sparks, Larry Cope, Cindy Ruthart, Gene Hobbs, Larry Moree, Bill Ruthart, Scott Porter, Randy Ruthart, Denny Head.

Special thanks to Haley Chipman of Waterford Hospice, the entire staff of Spring Lake Assisted Living in Paris, TX and Dr. Depak Muthappa for their loving care and support.

To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com. 

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