Ruth Elgin Nordyke

After a lengthy illness, Ruth Elgin Nordyke passed away peacefully Saturday, November 11, 2017 in Tyler. Ruth was born November 19, 1948 in Port Townsend, WA where her father was stationed for military duty. Ruth moved to Shreveport, LA at an early age, attended public schools and graduated from C. E. Byrd High School in 1966. Ruth graduated from Baylor University in 1970 with a degree from the Hankamer School of Business. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Doris Elgin and granddaughter Elizabeth Leigh Rowan, all of Tyler, TX. Ruth is survived by her husband of forty-seven years, David H. “Danny” Nordyke; their children David H. Nordyke, Jr. and his wife Lindsay of Dallas, TX and Kathryn N. Rowan and her husband Matt of Tyler, TX; and beloved sister-in-law Carolyn N. Whitney of Chatham, IL. Ruth cherished her grandchildren, Caroline Grace and Michael Thomas Rowan of Tyler, TX; and Reese Elizabeth and Cole Hamilton Nordyke of Dallas, TX. Ruth is also survived by cousins Susan E. McClain, Jim Elgin and his wife Mary Ann, all of Shreveport, LA and John Elgin of Dallas, TX. Ruth and Danny met, courted and married while students at Baylor. Soon after graduation they moved to Shreveport where they lived for 34 years before re-locating to Tyler in 2004. Ruth had a five year career with the City of Shreveport Finance Department and then transitioned to a full time mom/homemaker. Ruth was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Faith, family and friends were her highest priorities. While living in Shreveport Ruth was an active member of Broadmoor Baptist Church and joined Green Acres Baptist Church after moving to Tyler. Ruth enjoyed gardening, Bible study, anything family related and an “occasional” estate sale. Her kind heart, gentle spirit and warm smile will be remembered always. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to their extended family of caregivers: Elizabeth Green, Gale Rowland, Angela Hood, Rose Hastings and Karen Lawson who have lovingly and loyally cared for Ruth over the last four years. A special “thank-you” to Dr. Clint Carter, Stephanie and their staff for an incredible job of providing health care services over the last two years. Visitation will be Sunday, November 12, at 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Stewart Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler, TX. Graveside service will be held Monday, November 13, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery with Dr. Tom Harrison officiating. “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.” John 11:25 In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Children’s Miracle Network, 100 E. Ferguston, Ste 800, Tyler, TX, Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701, Alzheimer’s Alliance of Northeast Texas, 211 Winchester Dr., Tyler, TX 75701 or First Baptist Church School, 533 Ockley Dr., Shreveport, LA 71106.

Ruth Elgin Nordyke

November 19, 1948 - November 11, 2017