Funeral services for Ruth Evelyn Rockett Gray, age 92, will be held at Sharon Baptist Church in Hico, LA. at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, June 16, 2021. She was born on July 29, 1928 and died in the arms of Jesus on June 11, 2021. Officiating her services will be Rev. Jeff Roberts, Rev. Brad Post, and Rev. Michael Fox. A graveside service will follow at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Bernice under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, LA. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 5-7 P.M. at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston.

Left to cherish her memory are daughter Pamela Verna Gray Moore (Jerry) of Dubach; son, James Anthony “Tony” Gray; grandchildren Steven Michael Futch (Jennifer) of Houston, TX, Jennifer Carol Moore Parker (Jonathan) of Ruston, William Franklin “Billy” Bennett (Mandi) of Shreveport, James “Adam” Gray (Leslie) of Dubach, James Owen “Jamey” Moore (Christina) of Dubach, Brittney Ruth Gray Garoby (Mikey) of Monroe; great grandchildren Hannah Grace, Caroline Faith, and Natalie JoyParker of Ruston; Olivia Brooke Futch of Houston, TX; Cameron Bennett; step-grandchildren Ethan Ojeda and MadelynKnight; James Tyler and Christopher Gray of Dubach; Emily Rose, Dakota Reece, and Timothy James “Timmy” Moore of Dubach; and Willow “Celty” Ann Garobyof Monroe. She loved and was loved.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh Tallmadge and Verna Day Davis Rockett; husband Rev. James F. Gray; daughter, Judy Gray McElduff; brothers John and Alymer Rockett; sisters, Lucille Rockett Barron, Mabel Rockett Enis, and Joyce Rockett McCormick.

Ruth began furthering her education in nursing school at Warner Brown Hospital in Eldorado, AR after earning her High School diploma. She met the love of her life while in school and they were wed on January 4, 1947. Sadly, she had to withdraw from school because married students were not allowed in the program. When her daughter, Pamela, started to college in nursing school, she entered into an LPN nursing program. She earned her diploma and nursing license and began working at Lincoln General Hospital on December 22, 1969. She was voted Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year in 1988.

Together, Ruth and “Jim” served together in several churches in the area where she was a Sunday school teacher and a fun-loving leader in the Girl’s Auxiliary (GAS) in one of their churches. Ruth was a loving and compassionate caregiver to those committed to her care. She served her Savior as He serves us still. Ruth was a great cook and loved the outdoors. To the dismay of her competitors, Ruth won first place at the Dubach Chicken Pie contest.  Ruth would tell you now that her greatest joy, next to Jesus, was being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She and her husband built a life together devoted to God and family. They had three children, six grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

The foundation that they built on Jesus Christ served as an example to their children and all who knew them. Their legacy will continue. The family expresses sincere gratitude to her friends, family, Professional Hospice of Ruston, and Dr. Jonathan Baines. A special thank you is extended to Tina Turner, Hannah Parker (granddaughter) and Joanne Adkins whose care was compassionate, loving, and centered on Ruth’s needs.

In lieu of flowers, you may honor Ruth’s life by donating to Sharon Baptist Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the donation of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.