Ruth Spence

Ruth Margaret 'Pat' Spence joined her late husband, Dr. J. H. Spence, in God's eternal house on the morning of January 15, 2012. A memorial service for Ruth Margaret ‘Pat’ Spence, 89, of Tyler, will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 11:00 at Stewart Family Funeral Home. She was born near Hayward, CA in 1922 to Ernest and Ruth Patterson, she joined a long line of Patterson's in America dating back to the 1700's with ancestors who fought with Andrew Jackson in the battle of New Orleans. After her father passed away, her mother remarried and the family owned and operated a resort in northern California, Kelsey Camp. Her stepfather and mother instilled in her a love of the mountains and horses which remain with her throughout her life. She met and married her husband, Julius, while serving in the U.S. Naval Nursing Corps during WWII. As the family grew, a decision was made to leave the Navy and move to her husbands’ home state of Texas where he established his medical practice in Tyler in 1955. Ruth, known to her friends as 'Pat', was active in the Smith County Medical Society Auxiliary, was a member of the Junior League, a founding member of the Tyler Saddle Club, and active in the Texas Rose Festival with all five of her children participating as 'Ladies-in-waiting' or escorts. She devoted her life to her family and the love of all activities in which her family participated. She is survived by her children, Susan Norvell, Dennis Spence and wife Sabra, Gary Spence and wife Beth, Karen Lanford and husband David, all of Tyler, and Kathy Snodgrass and husband Todd of Rusk, Texas. She is also survived by her 'sister' Mary John Spence of Tyler and grandchildren Ryan, Kelly, Bryan, Brett, Clint, Ross, Heath, Wade and Micheal, numerous nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren. Of all things earthly, Pat loved most, taking horse back pack trips to her favorite lake in Northern California... 'Paradise'. Surely, she is there now. The family would like to express our thanks to the loving caregivers who devoted so much time and care to Dr. and Mrs. Spence during the latter days of their lives. Thank you Stella, Argie, Rochelle, Stephanie, Diane, Lisa, Misha and Shanikqua. Visitation is scheduled from 5:00 to 7:00 P.m. on Monday, January 16, 2012 at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. If desired, memorials if desired can be made to Smith County Humane Society P.O. Box 6151 Tyler, Texas 75711-6151 or The Salvation Army.

Ruth Spence

December 14, 1922 - January 15, 2012