Ruth Evelyn Derrick (affectionately called Bootsie, Mama Ruth and Granny) was born in Dallas, Texas on January 10, 1933, to the late Thomas Raleigh Rufus, Sr. and Edna Mae George. She attended school in the Dallas Independent School District, graduating from Lincoln High School. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She dedicated her life to Christ at a young age. She was a member of the Cedar Crest Church of Christ for many years and later became a member of Mountain View Church of Christ until her health prevented her attendance.
Ruth met Avery Derrick, Jr. at a young age and they were married until his death in 1999. They were married almost 50 years. She attended El Centro College to be trained as a LVN. She worked for several years at the Medical Arts Hospital in Dallas. Ruth loved her family. She enjoyed going to church on Sundays, followed by family gatherings at her home. She loved laughing and giving helpful advice that was always based on Christian principles. She enjoyed going out to eat and was always open to learning new technology. She kept the latest iPhone. She had a quiet presence but did not hesitate to put you in your place if she needed to. Even then, it always came from a place of love.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Avery Derrick Jr., her youngest son, Melvin Kay Derrick and her eldest daughter Linda Dianne Garry. Both of her parents and her siblings Jerry Rufus, Finis Rufus Creeks, David George Jr., Dorothy Lee Johnson, Thomas Raleigh Rufus Jr., Elihu Rufus, Paul Rufus, Jesse John Rufus. Her brother James Greydon Rufus died two days after her.
She leaves to cherish her memories: children Audrey Ruth Derrick, Dwight Lorenzo Derrick, Benita Ann Rudd, Kenneth Ray Derrick and Sharon Louise Washington (Leonard) all of Dallas, Texas. She also leaves behind a sister, Brenda Rufus-Smith, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
