Naomi Ruth Maddox's Obituary
89, died in Dallas, Wednesday, July 30, 2008. Ruth was born in Riverside, CA, May 15, 1919, the only child of Laura Ann Pettijohn Coons and Franklin Wayne Coons. She married the man of her dreams, EDH (Don) Maddox in 1941. They graduated from the University of Redlands, CA. She spent 31 years as the wife of this Air Force pilot and 13 years volunteering as his co-director at the New Otani Hotel Chapel in Tokyo, Japan. These years were influenced by her joy in the Lord. Even as a young mother in the early 1950’s, she found time to be a pioneer in Christian broadcasting, playing music and reading scripture over the airwaves in Riverside. She participated as a Red Cross hospital volunteer for 18 years, beginning as a Gray Lady. She was hostess to countless people including Air Force squadron members and personnel throughout Don’s military career, ROTC cadets at Bradley University (IL) in the 1960s, and international students in the 1970s. Ruth inspired lives by meeting physical and spiritual needs. Her organ and piano abilities drew family and friends to share musical memories. Having traveled to many countries, Ruth found commonalities with all people, near and far. She modeled a natural prayer life and freedom that comes from trusting God. Many men and women considered her a spiritual mentor. Preceded in death by Don this year, she is survived by her children, Peter (Sylvia) Maddox, Martha Ruth Maddox, Timothy (Alana) Maddox, and Merry (Chris) Maddox Rogers; seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ruth will be buried with her husband at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, on Monday, August 4, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. An additional Celebration of her joyous life will be held in the Heritage Chapel, First Baptist Church of Dallas, 1707 San Jacinto St., Dallas, TX 75201 on Saturday, August 9, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. If you wish to donate to charitable foundations in Ruth’s name, please consider The American Bible Society, 1865 Broadway, NY, NY 10023; The Peale Center for Positive Living, 66 E. Main St. Pawling, NY 12564; or The American Red Cross, PO Box 37243, Washington DC, 20013.
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