Ruth Mason Frits' Obituary
Ruth Lynn Ivy lived an extraordinarily rich life that began on October 7, 1922. Born in Bentonville, Arkansas, the fifth of six children, she is preceded in death by brothers, Talbot, Charles and sister, Mildred and is survived by her sisters, Florence France (Fayetteville, AR); and Betty Stone (Kansas City, MO). In 1942 while working at Camp Crowder in Joplin Missouri, she met Tom Mason, a Captain in the Army. He saw her at a dance and when he later telephoned to ask her out on a blind date, she asked what he looked like. He replied, “I look like hell.” Piquing Ruth’s interest, she went on the date and within three months they were married. It was the beginning of a continuing romance that would last for 47 years and produce 4 children. Being so devoted to her family, Ruth gave her children strength to live life and comfort during sadness. They always knew she loved them and she knew they loved her. Ruthie had an amazing ability to turn momentary acquaintances into special friends who loved her fun and engaging personality. Golf, bridge, camping and backpacking were her favorite pastimes. She was a realtor for many years and she and Tom were active in John Calvin Presbyterian Church. Ruth showed her strength of spirit in caring for Tom for six years after a major stroke left him incapacitated. Several years after Tom passed in 1989, she married Fred Frits. He was a wonderful man who absolutely adored her and embraced all of her kids. Ruth struggled with illness over the last few years. The surgeries and treatments were brutal but she was unstoppable–a warrior with indomitable will. Special thanks to Dr. Russell Lam and Dr. Lyle Kaliser for their years of care and never giving up on Ruth. Her passing on October 16, 2014 has left her family and friends profoundly sad, but they are very grateful she was a part of their lives for so long. She is survived by her daughter, Lucy Kissinger and husband, Rick (Denver, CO); 3 sons, Richard Mason (Taos, NM), Gary Mason (Denver, CO) and Tommy Mason (Dallas, TX); grandchildren, Chad Kissinger and wife, Elisa (Austin, TX), Ashley Kissinger and husband, Michael Behar (Boulder, CO), Emma Mason and Noah Ganz (Taos, NM); and great grandchildren, Aspen and Avery Kissinger, Simon Behar and a little girl yet to be born. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. The visitation for Ruth will be held at Restland Funeral Home on Thursday, October 23, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Ruth’s burial will be at Restland Memorial Park at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 24, 2014, followed by a “Celebration of Life” service at 2:30 PM at John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 4151 Royal Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75238. To honor Ruth you can make a contribution to Wounded Warriors or Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
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