Ruth Miriam (Heisey) Blackketter was born on July 16, 1926, in Gladwin, Michigan. She was the firstborn child of devout young Brethren in Christ preacher and his wife Henry and Lela Fern (Hoover) Heisey who did mission work in Michigan for several years. Some of Ruth's most vivid childhood memories of Michigan involved God's special provision in meeting their needs during the harsh winters. The family then moved to a small farm in eastern Ohio, where they raised Ruth and her three brothers.

Ruth received a double portion of her mother's musical gift. From a very young age, she was able to pick out melodies and chords on a piano or organ. This musical talent was used regularly and developed to a high degree both in church and at school. In college, she served as organist at a local church, which helped to pay some of her college expenses. She also taught piano for many years privately. Her gift was so considerable that even losing the use of her left arm did not deter her.

When Gene Blackketter fell in love, courted, and wed Ruth, he carried her off to a barren, dry land called Oklahoma. (It was the 50's—enough said.) He told people, "If she can learn to love Oklahoma in this drought, she's definitely a keeper!"

Indeed she did learn to love this land. Her frugal upbringing stood her in good stead as she and Gene established them in ranching, for times were often tough, but she gallantly helped and learned.

Ruth had quite a talent for verbal expression, which she put to use teaching Sunday school and Vacation Bible School at church, becoming active in the local Extension Homemakers club, and writing a news column for the local newspaper. Her writing ability gave her the chance to take some cheeky jabs at ranchers in general, and Gene in particular, in return for the ribbings she endured because of her greenhorn status. Nothing delighted him more than enjoying her wit in writing, even at his own expense.

Ruth's leadership skills involved her in local, county, and state affairs as she willingly served whenever asked to do so. Over the years it added up to an impressive resume, serving in community, county, state, and church.

Ruth's homemaking skills always included an amazing gift of hospitality. Through the years she opened her home and her kitchen table to evangelists, old Navy buddies of Gene's, missionaries, friends and family traveling across the U.S., children's friends, cattlemen on business, and many more. She always loved having company and making them comfortable and welcome in Oklahoma.

But perhaps Ruth's greatest gift was her zest for life. Although Ruth had health challenges her whole life, they never stopped her. As a child, she contracted polio, which left her with weakened knees. As a mother of five, four of whom were still teenagers, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. On the wings of many, many prayers, Ruth recovered and sailed right back into living a full, involved life again. Within five years, she had lost the use of her left arm completely. That didn't stop Ruth, either. In her seventies, Ruth suffered a stroke, which left her with congestive heart failure. Through it all, her sweet spirit and love for the Lord never wavered.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; her parents, Henry and Lela Fern Heisey, two brothers, Orville and Ray Heisey, and one step grandson Shawn. She is survived by daughters Iris Blackketter of Marion, Kansas; Ariel Lohberger and husband Alton of Allison, Texas; son Lynn Blackketter and wife Tina of Leedey, Oklahoma; son Lyle Blackketter and wife Linda of Leedey, Oklahoma; and son Loy Blackketter of Leedey, Oklahoma; 14 grandchildren; Alicia, Laura, and Russell Lohberger; Kyle and wife Olivia Blackketter, and Clay Blackketter and Fiancée Christie; Ashly Koike and husband, Chris; Brock and Michelle Green; Toby and Teresa Green; and Jared Green; Chelsey and husband Curtis Simmons; Jacob Ramsey; Josh Blackketter and Fiancée Courtney; Cody, and Brenna Blackketter; brother Marion and wife Beverly Heisey of Edgewood, New Mexico; great grandchildren, the youngest of which she got to meet for the first time the day before she died; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ruth received complete, heavenly healing on May 28, 2014, Elk City, Oklahoma, finishing and earthly life well lived in the space of 87 years, 10 months, and 12 days.

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