Lela Ruth Drum's Obituary
Lela Ruth Drum was born on September 19, 1926, in Styx, Texas, to Claude and Ethel Powell (nee Phillips). At the age of nine, she confessed her faith and was baptized, becoming a devoted member of the Church of Christ. Her commitment to her faith remained steadfast throughout her life.
On August 10, 1946, Ruth married Paul Drum, and together they shared sixty-nine years of marriage. Ruth and Paul played a significant role in their church communities. In 1955, they assisted in constructing the ‘new’ auditorium for the Eighth and Austin Street Church of Christ, later known as Austin Street Church of Christ. They were also charter members of the Broadway Street Church of Christ (now Centerville Road Church of Christ) and the Rowlett Church of Christ, generously donating the land for the latter.
Ruth personified the virtues described in Proverbs 31. She contributed to the growth of Garland Insulating Company alongside Paul, cultivated a half-acre garden to nourish her family, and excelled in many skills including haberdashery, tailoring, sewing, ceramics, and quilting. Her talents were recognized when one of her ceramic pieces earned a ribbon at the Texas State Fair. Ruth was also an active member of the Home Demonstration Club and served as president of the Rowlett PTA.
Ruth is survived by her sons, Deryl Wayne Drum (Ann Drum) and Ferrell DeLane Drum (Tulio Martins), along with her faithful daughters-in-law, Sherilyn Drum (nee Maxwell) and Lyndah Drum (nee Callens).
Her legacy continues through seven grandchildren: Billy Drum (Laurie), Debra Smith (Andre), Tosha Matila (Tui), John Drum (Chelsey), Rebekah Drum, Ahndrea Gamboa (Christian), and Hayden Drum (Laura).
She is also blessed with fifteen great-grandchildren: Ryan Drum, Miles Drum, Sarah Drum, Blaine Smith (Jennifer), Chandler Smith (Callie), Alden Smith (Shelby), Devan Parker (Brad), Ashton Matila (Eylin), Zane Matila, Isaac Drum, Asher Drum, Valentina Gamboa, Luciano Gamboa, Ashley Drum, and Ava Drum.
Among her descendants are seven great-great-grandchildren: Lily Drum, Tess Smith, Ella Smith, Jaxson Smith, Parker Smith, Callum Smith, and Caytlyn Parker.
Ruth is preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul Drum, her parents Claude and Ethel Powell, her son Lynn Dexter Drum, her brother Jack Powell, and her sister Lois Brisendine.
The funeral service for Ruth will take place at Cottonwood Church of Christ, 2633 Elm Grove Rd, Rowlett, TX.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
Tipton Children’s Home, P.O. Box 370, Tipton, OK 73570. Phone: 580-667-5221. https://TiptonChildrensHome.com Or to New Life Behavior International, https://nlbi.net. Northwest Highway #315, Garland, TX 75041.
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