Modene Carruth

Modene Myrtis Barger Carruth of Mexia passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at the Mexia LTC Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born on March 30, 1928 in Teague, Texas to Emmett and Lila Little Barger. Modene attended Teague schools, graduating from Teague High School in 1945. Modene met and married Jack Forrest Carruth while both were employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Teague. After their marriage in Waco in 1948, the couple transferred to Hillsboro, then Mexia in 1952. Modene continued her employment with SWB until 1958 and later resumed her switchboard skills at Mexia State School in 1969. She also worked as direct-care staff on the Shamrock unit until her retirement after 13 years of service. Jack and Modene joined First Baptist Church upon their arrival in Mexia where Modene enjoyed active membership until her death. She was a member of the Fidelis class and was the "Adopted Mother" of the Dorcas class. Her family is deeply grateful to both classes for their many expressions of love and kindness to her during the past months of her illness. The couple moved to Forest Glade in 1955 and became active members of the community through their involvement with Forest Glade School. Modene served in numerous capacities while her daughters were students there. Modene also maintained the house that Jack built there for 40 years. During their "empty nest" years, Jack and Modene enjoyed trailering with fellow travelers in the Good Sams Club and Bi-Stone Travelers. Modene was preceded in death by Jack, her husband of 46 years, an infant daughter, Mary Lynn and a grandson, Jason Ward. Also preceding her in death were her parents, Emmett and Lila Barger and her brother, David Barger. Survivors include her daughters and their families: Jan and Troy Miller of Mexia and Suzanne and Wayne Freeman of Katy; grandchildren, James and Sara Ward of Mexia, Scott Freeman of Katy and Leah and Tom Miller of Katy. Great-grandchildren include Cameryn Ward, Dalton Masters, and Jacob and Joseph Miller. Also surviving are her siblings, Dwain and Rita Barger, Lurlene Lamb, and Shirley and Jack Dillon all of Teague, Texas as well as in-laws, Bill and Beth Carruth of Village Mills, Jack and Vickie Carruth of Waco and Betty and Al Hess of Livingston. Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home is handling arrangements for Mrs. Carruth. Her service will be held on Saturday, December 31 at 2PM at First Baptist Church of Mexia with the Reverend Marcus Sheffield officiating. Visitation is planned for Friday evening from 5-7PM at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home, 605 S. McKinney Street. Her grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers. The family of Modene Carruth wishes to express gratitude to the staffs of The Bowie House, Parkview Regional Hospital, Mexia LTC Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Providence Hospice of Mexia for the loving care she received during the months prior to her death. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Providence Hospice of Mexia or to First Baptist Church of Mexia.