Martha Luruth "Ruth" Painter, 93, passed away into the loving arms of the Lord Tuesday, May 6, 2014.

Ruth was born September 22, 1920 to James Pertiller "Tiller" Yates and Eva Utycia Yates in Alexander City, Alabama. She came to Texas 14 days later and lived here until she married Clinton Elmo Painter November 7, 1937.

When Ruth's husband retired from the MKT Railroad in 1976, they moved to the Downing community. Ruth was an artist and an art teacher. She was also a professional seamstress. Ruth was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Downing until it closed in 1989 and then she moved her membership to De Leon First United Methodist Church. She was also a life-time member of the Order of the Eastern Star of Moran Chapter #591.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Clinton Elmo Painter; parents, Tiller and Eva Yates; and grandson, Nicholas Clark Stojanik.

She is survived by her children, Mary Zanette Williams, Clinton Leon Painter and wife, Jo Ann, and David Warren Painter and wife, Allene; five grandchildren, Phillip Gene Stojanik and wife, JeriAnne, Jill Lynn Tjarks and husband, Ed, Joan Dee Moses and husband, Jason, Kevin Painter and wife, Donna, Leslie Ann Mc Fadden and husband, Pete; eight great-grandchildren, Christopher Phillip Stojanik, Jordan Elizabeth Moses, Jacelyn Anne Moses, Ryan Painter, Zackary Kevin Painter, Mark Alan Painter, Dillon Chase Mc Fadden and Lacy Chyenne Mc Fadden; sister, Maudie Lee Hasley; and sister in law, Billie Ann Booth.

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 10, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home. Graveside services followed in Downing Cemetery. Brother Kenneth Wilson officiated the services. Pallbearers were Keith Booth, Kevin Painter, Christopher Stojanik, Jason Moses, Rowdy Wilkerson and Nicky Don Wilkerson. Honorary pallbearers were J.W. Sadberry and Curtis Sadberry.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the De Leon Senior Citizen Center at 133 North Ballpark Loop, De Leon, in memory of Ruth.