Ruth Eloise Carruthers April 10, 1917 - July 13, 2023

Ruth Eloise (Reynolds) Carruthers, better known as “Weezie,” completed her journey on this earth on Thursday, July 13, 2023. She passed away, peacefully, in her own home, in her own bed. Weezie was born in Memphis, Texas on April 10. 1917. She was 106 years young, the oldest living alumnus of Abilene Christian University (ACU), and the oldest living member of Ko Jo Kai, her beloved women’s club at ACU. She graduated from ACU in 1937 with a major in English and History. She was 20 years old. She also earned a Master’s of Education Degree from the University of Houston. She was a life-long member of the Church of Christ having been baptized at the age of eight. Her parents were Otis Marion Reynolds and Rosa (Bentley) Reynolds. Her father was a Church of Christ preacher, so they moved often. Her first teaching job was in Winters, Texas. In August 1938 she married Robert Lee “Squib” Carruthers in Beaumont, Texas. They were married for 55 years. They lived in Dal- hart, Eldorado, McCamey, Cushing (OK), Houston, San Angelo, Austin, and Abilene. They had three children, Jan Carruthers Stevens who was born in McCamey, TX, Bob Carruthers who was born in Cushing, Oklahoma, and Bill Carruthers who was born in Houston.

Weezie was a second-grade teacher for many years. When they moved to Austin, she retired from regular classroom teaching and became a dependable substitute teacher for Austin ISD. She was always active in church having taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible school, and after-school programs. While in Austin, she was a member of Delta Kappa Gama, the international society that promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. Weezie moved to Abilene in 1994 after her husband, Squib, passed away in Austin in 1993. She became a member of Women of ACU, and the Abilene Retired Teachers Association. She was a member of Highland Street Church of Christ and was active in the Sonshiners and Ladies Bible Class. She was an avid bridge player and a huge sports fan. She was a member of the Cisco Kids, a group of ACU classmates from the 1930’s who met every summer for a reunion. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. “Squib” Carruthers and her daughter, Jan Carruthers Stevens. She is survived by her sons, Robert L. Carruthers and wife Victoria, and William R Carruthers. Also, eight grandsons and their wives, one granddaughter, and 11 great-grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by three nieces and two nephews. Special recognition and thanks to granddaughter-in-law, Michelle Griffin Stevens.