Ruth was born to Roy and Grace (Hardin) Herndon on 11/02/1934 in Reed, OK, where she spent her growing up years on the family farm. She graduated from University of Oklahoma with an associates degree in Secretarial Science. While she was working in Norman, OK, she met her husband Delbert Gould who was stationed in the US Navy. They were married 06/16/1956. They had 3 children, Teresa (Jeff) Johnson, Karla McClary, and Dana (Tami) Gould; 8 grandchildren, Amy Johnson (Jeice Brown), Jennifer (John, Jr.) Geske, Brian (Lisa) Johnson, Katy Carnes, Johnathan McClary, Derek (Jessica) Gould, Zachery Gould, and Dustin Gould; and 7 great-grandchildren, Aiden Gould, Raylee Gould, Jay (John III) Geske, Graham Geske, Hailey Johnson, Zander Carnes, Hudson McClary and Warren McClary, She is also survived by her brother Herbert Herdon of CO, many nieces and nephews throughout the US and the world. She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws, 5 brothers, 1 sister, and her son-in-law Patrick McClary.
Ruth worked much of her life as a legal secretary as the children were growing up, was a member of United Methodist Women and volunteered in many ways at church including the nursery, Sunday school, and Vacation Bible School. An important part of her life was her rose bushes. Many evenings she would be seen lovingly caring for those special flowers. She loved God and her friends from Old Mission United Methodist church who were very special to her throughout her life. We are thankful for all of the friends and family who were able to be with her the last week of her life. We also want to thank the staff at Antioch Valley Senior Living and her friends there who were there during her stay and beside her during her transition to heaven. We also want to thank the staff at Interim Hospice who provided her with excellent care and love especially that last week.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate Ruth’s life on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 11 AM with lunch to follow at Old Mission United Methodist Church, 5519 State Park Rd, Fairway, KS 66205. Memorials can be made to Old Mission United Methodist Church, with youth in the subject line.
