Wilma Ruth King

Wilma “Ruth” King, age 97, a resident of Abilene, passed away on June 23, 2022 in Anson, Texas. Ruth was born April 18, 1925 in Itasca, Texas to Smith and Zuda Hooten. After graduation from Itasca High School in 1942, she attended Abilene Christian College. While at ACC, Ruth married Dale King on July 10, 1944. Her education was interrupted when she followed Dale to Lubbock, Texas where she worked in a department store while waiting for his return from deployment during WWII. The Kings returned to ACC in 1946 and graduated in 1948.

After graduation, Dale and Ruth returned to the family farm in Jones County where their son, Larry, and daughter, Lycia, were born and raised. Ruth taught bible class for high school girls and young married ladies for many years while Dale preached in Stamford at the Oliver Street Church of Christ and other surrounding communities.

In 1967, Ruth began teaching social studies at Anson Middle School. Dale retired from farming and they moved to Abilene in 1983. Dale and Ruth loved to travel and were fortunate to visit every state in the US and every continent except Antarctica. Ruth relished telling her students about her travels and sharing her experiences until her retirement in 1987. After her retirement, Ruth was a committed volunteer in the Abilene community, working with many organizations including Hendrick Hospital and the Grace Museum. Dale and Ruth continued to travel together during this time, often with Bilbrey Bus Tours, until Dale’s passing in 2004.

Wilma Ruth, or “Mimi,” as she was lovingly known to her family, was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her son, Larry King, of Houston and her Daughter, Lycia Hardin, of Abilene. She is also survived by grandchildren Kelly and Amanda King of Kingwood, Kevin King and Michele Henning of Pflugerville, Angela and Matt Moczygemba of San Antonio, Bradley and Kim Hardin of Abilene and Casie Hardin of Abilene and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son-in-law, Don Hardin, and daughter-in-law, Jane King.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 am on Monday the 27th of June in the chapel of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St with a time to visit with the family following the service.  A private graveside service will be held after.  No visitation will be held prior to the day of the service but viewing will be available from 1-4 pm on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christian Service Center, Meals on Wheels, Hospice of the Big Country, or any charity of your choice.