Ruth Pauline Pope

Ruth Rankin Pope (94) of Abilene died Monday, April 12th. Born Sept. 25, 1915, in Perrin, Texas to Frank and Myrtle Rankin, she lived all of her life in Texas; in Bryson, Fort Worth, Dallas, Weatherford, and Gainesville, before moving to Abilene more than two and one-half years ago.

She was married to Howard Lee Pope of Millsap, Texas, on February 12, 1939, and was preceded in death by her loving husband of 46 years on January 31, 1985.

She was a member of the Hillcrest Church of Christ in Abilene, as well as a past active member of Hillcrest in Gainesville, South Main in Weatherford, Wynnewood Hills in Dallas, and West Berry in Fort Worth.

Her close relationship with her Lord, as well as her family, was of primary importance in Mrs. Pope’s life. She loved to have a receptive audience to stories about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her other interests, in addition to homemaking, were sewing, watching sporting events, reading, and playing bridge.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Dean Bingham of Gainesville, TX; three sons and daughters-in-law, Terry and Gayla Pope of Abilene, Max and Kerry Pope of Edmond, OK, and Don and Beth Pope of Abilene; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the South Main Church of Christ in Weatherford at 10:30 am on Friday, April 16.

Piersall Funeral Directors in Abilene and Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Chapel of Weatherford are in charge of arrangements.

The family would like to thank Dr. Sandy Hazelip, Northern Oaks Nursing Home, and Hendrick Hospice for their loving, compassionate care.