Ruth Stevens

Mrs. Ruth Stevens, 88, of Mexia passed away April 6, 2009 in Waco. Funeral services for Mrs. Stevens will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 9, 2009 at Calvary Baptist Church. Rev. James Hooper and Rev. Rick Gray will officiate with interment to follow in the Point Enterprise Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 5-7 PM Wednesday at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home. Ruth Bayless Stevens was born July 23, 1920, the third of eight children, to M. L. and Hattie Earwood Bayless at Datura, southeast of Coolidge. With the exception of the years she accompanied her husband while serving in the military, she lived her entire life in Limestone County. At the time of her death in Hillcrest Hospital, she was residing in Mexia. Ruth attended school in Datura and Coolidge, graduated from Coolidge High School at the age of 15. Following military service, Ruth and David returned to Limestone County where they both worked for the Mexia Textile Mill, Futorian Furniture and the Mexia State School, retiring in 1982. Ruth and David had no children but did enjoy numerous "4 legged ones" through the years. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, John David Stevens; two brothers, Robert Bayless of Mexia and Martin Bayless of Farmington, N.M.; two sisters, Margie Baugh of Canton and Bonnie Honea of Pasadena. She is survived by two brothers, Joe B. Bayless of Shreveport, La. and Royce Bayless of Springfield, Mo.; a sister, Juanita Wren of Salem, Mo.; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. Pallbearers will be Tim Bayless, Larry Ferguson, Garrett Ferguson, Bob Ross, Roy Ross and Seth Wright. The Deacons of the Calvary Baptist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers.