Ruth Porter Stokes

Ruth Porter Stokes, 92, of Abilene passed away on March 30, 2014 at a local medical center following a brief illness. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Lufkin, Texas, where she spent the majority of her life.

Ruth was born at Bronson, Texas in Sabine Co. to Seth Floyd and Rutha Harvey Porter. She was raised in San Augustine Co. and attended Broaddus schools. In 1938, she married Hayne Stokes Jr., with whom she enjoyed 53 years of marriage before his death in 1991. Resourceful and creative, Ruth enjoyed sewing, cooking, and working with her hands, and loved using those gifts to bless family and friends. She always had a project, usually focused on something to help others. Ruth was the granddaughter of preachers, and referred to herself as a life-long Christian, having been baptized in a cold creek at the age of 14. She was an active member of Central Church of Christ and Dunn Chapel Church of Christ in Lufkin and for the last nine years was a member of University Church of Christ in Abilene. In the face of hardship and heartache, Ruth remained optimistic and full of hope. She had a deep, abiding love for the church and a never-failing trust in God.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Hayne, daughter Jeannette Stokes Stevens, sisters Lois Ponder and Bertie Lacy and brother Seth Carlton Porter. She is survived by her daughter Rebecca Mark and husband Michael of Abilene; her sister Floy Winnell Beard of Tyler; grandchildren Kimberly Stevens and husband Craig Stratton of Meade, Kansas, Laura Mark and husband Matthew Bentham of London, England, and Mollie Spaulding and husband Wade of Abilene; two beloved great-granddaughters Mattie Ruth Spaulding and Astrid Bentham. She also leaves her dearly loved nephews and nieces, and a host of friends, young and old.

The family requests anyone wishing to honor her memory consider donations to Hendrick Hospice Care, P.O. Box 1922, Abilene, Texas 79604. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.