Eddie Fitzgerald

Eddie Ruth Loyd Fitzgerald passed away peacefully and surrounded by loving family members on April 17, 2011, at the Hospice of East Texas in Tyler. She was born on April 26, 1925 and grew up in Wood County, the eldest child of Edward McKinley Loyd and Ava Gilbreath Loyd. After graduating from Yantis High School, she married in 1948 and moved to Tyler in 1955. Her husband, Truman D. “Blue” Fitzgerald, an East Texas oil drilling contractor and rancher, preceded her in death in 2006. She is survived by three children, Randall (Randy) Fitzgerald of Northern California, Jerry (Gerald) Fitzgerald of Dallas, and Jonna Fitzgerald of Tyler. Survivors also include a brother, Loye Loyd of Midland, two sisters, Rue Nell Meaders of Yantis and Dorothy Weir of Yantis; sisters-in-law, Peggy Jo Fitzgerald and Joyce Ashley, both of Tyler; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. Everyone who knew Eddie Ruth spoke fondly of her as a gentle, thoughtful, and kind spirit. She took great joy in fishing, caring for the family pets, nurturing her beautiful rose bushes, embroidery, playing the piano and organ, collecting, and creating artwork in various mediums. Eddie Ruth was lovingly devoted to her three children .When each child was in kindergarten or grade school, she enrolled them in art, dance, or music lessons to develop their creativity. She proudly watched each of her children embrace an artistic pursuit later in life. Randy became a journalist and book author, Jerry a stage actor and playwright, and Jonna a violinist, television news anchor, winner of the Miss Texas Pageant, and runner up to the title of Miss America. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff members of Atria Copeland, the Hospice of East Texas, and Mother Frances Hospital. A public viewing will be at the Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy in Tyler on Tuesday evening, April 19, from 6:00-8:00 PM. Services will be Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel at Stewart Family Funeral Home with Rev. David Dykes officiating. Pallbearers will be Garrett Boersma, Eric Artmire, Byron Meads, Timothy Meads, Anthony Meads, Felton Baxter, Curtis Johnson and Mike Hampton. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Therapet Animal Assisted Therapy Volunteers. Donations in her honor may be made to the Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd. Tyler, 75701 or Therapet Foundation, PO Box 305, Troup, Texas 75789.

Eddie Fitzgerald

April 26, 1925 - April 17, 2011