Ruth Ellener Maaske's Obituary
Ruth (Dark) Maaske, born December 26, 1941, went to Heaven on March 5, 2018. She is preceded in death by her beloved Dog Quinn, husbands, Peter Maaske and Melvin Watkins, Father and Mother, Hubert and Ellener Dark and brother Dean Dark. She is survived by her children, Paul Watkins (Penny), Rebecca Kajzer (Chris), Deborah Watkins (Mike Friese) and Sharon Hannabas (Steve), Granddaughter Ashley Rust (Shaun), Grandson Justin Hannabas, great-grandson Austin Rust, Sister Faye Abraham (Gene) brother Hubert Dark, sister in law Carol Dark, step-son Billy Thedford (Jenny) and many cousins, nieces, nephews and lots of friends. Ruth radiated love; she was a generous, kind soul with a smart wit. She always had a twinkle in her eye and a contagious zest for life. She remained curious and valued continual learning. Born and raised in Tyler Texas, she received her bachelor’s degree from Stephen F Austin University and later earned her Master’s in Counseling from North Texas State University. She was absolutely loved and adored by her children and grand-children. She was relentless in her desire to be available to her children and never missed a concert, swim meet, pee wee baseball game …. She passionately shared her love of reading, art and history museums, movies, music and travel, her love of ALL people and understanding beyond measure. She had many loves and many hobbies, from her Master Naturalist certification to volunteering for the Wildlife Hotline and doggie transports, Book Club, Bible Study, playing any kind of board game, talking and laughing. She was a dedicated democrat and served as a delegate at the county level and volunteered and served as the Election Clerk for her polling place in Dallas County. She traveled cross country in her mobile home with Quinn and saw magical places that she would write to her family members about. She was a great story teller and an excellent scribe of the English language. She made everyone comfortable and was a trusted confident of many. A great friend and just a wonderful person and the absolute perfect mom. Saying she will be missed does not begin to convey the feelings and impact she had on others’ lives every day. There will be a Memorial Service held on April 14, 2018 at 2:30 PM at Restland Memorial Chapel. ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
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