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Ruth Foster Obituary

Ruth Ann Foster, 59, passed away at her home in Hewitt, Texas, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2006. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Oct. 3, at First Baptist Church, Waco, Texas. A memorial service will follow at the same location at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Julie Pennington-Russell, pastor of Waco's Calvary Baptist Church, officiating. Ruth Ann Foster, an Ashland, Ky. native, was Associate Professor of Christian Scriptures at Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological Seminary. She earned a Bachelor of Theology degree from Clear Creek Baptist College, Pineville, Ky. in May 1978. She excelled academically and went on to earn the Master of Divinity degree in 1982 and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in New Testament Studies in 1989. She served as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Religion at Texas Christian University (1984-91) and then moved to become Minister of Education at Manor Baptist Church, San Antonio (1991-94). In 1994, she became one of the founding faculty members of George W. Truett Theological Seminary. She was involved in every aspect of the early development of Truett Seminary and was a beloved and effective teacher. She firmly believed that female students attending the seminary should be encouraged to explore their giftedness from God. She was held in the highest esteem and admiration by her faculty colleagues at Truett Seminary. Dr. Foster is survived by her mother, Alice; a nephew, David Foster of Ashland, Ky. and his wife, Annette; a great niece, Beth Foster; a great nephew, Jeremy Foster; a cousin, Connie Marshall and her husband, Roger and her life-long best friend, Jane Kerns and her husband, Ken of Lexington, Ky. Mrs. Foster and her family wish to thank the people of Odyssey Health Care Hospice and the Truett Seminary family for their warm and untiring ministry during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dr. Ruth Ann Foster George W. Truett Theological Seminary Endowed Scholarship Fund at Baylor University, Box 97026, Waco, Texas 76798-7026. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. September 14, 1947 - September 28, 2006

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Waco Tribune-Herald from Sep. 29 to Oct. 2, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Foster

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Stephen Gray

October 4, 2006

I'll always treasure the personal memories of Dr. Foster during my time at Truett. I know I could not have survived Greek without her inspired teaching. But she was much more than just a classroom professor. Whether it was playful disagreement about Kentucky vs. Duke basketball or just the offering of a listening ear to students complaining about the difficulties of youth ministry, Dr. Foster fully embodied the spirit of Truett. She will be missed!

Jonathan Garza

October 3, 2006

You were a wonderful Christian, a wonderful person, and a wonderful friend. Our loss is heaven's gain.

Kevin Cornelius

October 3, 2006

Dr. Foster was so great to be with because she was so real. From the smallest textual matter to more practical ministry matters, she brought a fresh look and down-to-earth mentality to it all. I never worked harder on an exegesis than for her, and I never got as much out of any other that I've written. She was a good friend and confidant. She is loved and will be missed.

Terry Jackson

October 3, 2006

Dr. Foster was the first faculty member I met when I walked into Truett Seminary in July 1994. She gave it her own personal touch of kind intelligence and compassion, yet with underlying humor. I shall always remember that she and Dr. Conyers invited me to lunch with them --- the same day he had learned of his illness. I continue to cherish her life with deep, heartfelt gratitude.

Ronda Tamme

October 2, 2006

Ruth Ann and I spent many Sunday afternoons together. Growing up in Ashland, she and I attended Central Baptist Church. As a teenager, I was privileged to spend time in her home, with her mother Alice and her father Todd.

Ruth Ann has achieved many things in her short life, none so great as her reward in heaven. You will be missed.

Debbie Zintgraff

October 2, 2006

"Well done, Ruth Ann, my good and faithful servant!" I am so thankful for your friendship and love during your time at Manor. I will sure miss you and look forward to worshiping with you once again!

Matt Barnes

October 2, 2006

Dr. Foster was a great teacher and a wonderful person. Her class on the Gospel of John was probably my most fun class in all of my education. I will never forget her for her impact on my development.

My prayers and thoughs go out to her friends and family.

Matt and Alida Barnes

Charles Budd

October 2, 2006

Dr. Foster was truly an inspiration. A teacher whose genuine interest was the spiritual and intellectual growth of her students. She went to extraordinary lengths to give everyone his or her own greatest opportunities.

Sandy Hunter

October 2, 2006

Ruth Ann was our youth leader in the 1970's. We had so much fun with her. I will never forget the sleepovers at her parents house. She was always afraid to go to sleep, afraid of what we would do to her. Her Father was wonderful, and as many of you in Texas know, her Mother is too. I remember Alice makes a great lasagna! Ruth Ann taught us so much. She was a great leader, and was able to accomplish so much for the youth at a time when our church thought the youth pretty much should be seen, not heard. That group ended up being the largest youth group Central has ever had. We had car washes, she planned a trip for the group to Myrtle Beach, I could go on and on. And she didn't mind letting us make fun of her. She told us alot of stories from her teenage years, and she always made me feel like I wasn't a geeky kid. I am so glad I got to talk to Ruth Ann a few months ago, and got to tell her how proud I was of all of her accomplishments. We're going to miss you Ruth Ann.

Richard Caldwell

October 2, 2006

Dr. Foster was my mentor and good friend. She was an invaluable prayer partner and the person who encouraged me to finish seminary, even when I did not feel as if I had the strength to do so. I respected and cared for her greatly. I will miss her.

Rev. Charlotte Jones

October 2, 2006

Dr. Foster was the first female Professor at Truett I encountered. She took away the stigma of "ism". She assured me that sexism and racism aren't a part of God's kingdom. She demanded that I not be defined by it, but define it by living above it.

Jeff Fountain '97

October 2, 2006

Dr. Foster is an incredible woman. I praise God for her life and am thankful He chose my path to cross hers at Truett. I, like others, will forever be marked by her teaching and wisdom. Her death here on earth is a sorrowful event for me, but I know a powerful celebration for the Host who have now received her. Thank you Ruth Ann, I look forward to celebrating with you soon.

Sandy Jones

October 2, 2006

Dr. Foster, I learned from you, laughed with you, and loved you. I will miss you terribly.

Dr. Allen B. Lewis

October 2, 2006

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Jimmy Elrod

October 2, 2006

Ruth Ann was a great friend, provided a wonderful ministry, and was a super achiever. She was truly a Renaissaince Woman in every respect. She made a great contribution to the Christian movement and to the world she lived in. She will be missed.

Shannon Williams

October 2, 2006

Dr. Foster was my favorite teacher at Truett. I had her for three wonderful classes. She always made me feel special, loved, and appreciated. We shared a love for Monet and art. She welcomed me graciously into her home and into her life. The sorrow I feel for her loss is only eased by the fact that she is now home and happy. I love you Ruth Ann.

Eric Hammer

October 1, 2006

Dr. Foster was full of life. While in seminary I can recall many occasions that the classroom was filled with laughter. She could be the instigator of the joke or she could just as easily laugh at herself. She will be missed.

Dr. Jay Smith

October 1, 2006

Dr. Foster was one of my favorites. She was demanding, compassionate and inspiring. Without a doubt, she encouraged me to be what I am today. She will be missed.

Matt Sciba

October 1, 2006

I will always remember you as a gifted professor: knowledgeable, passionate, and gifted at helping others in discovery. You were a great friend to us all, going far beyond what was expected to create community. You poured yourself into the future of the church. Thank you.

mikel hatfield

September 29, 2006

Dr. Foster was one of my favorite professors at Truett. She didn't just teach students--but loved, counseled and encouraged us all. I sat in her office a year and a half ago and she prayed such a sweet prayer for me in the midst of a tough time. I will forever be encouraged by her love for students, for scripture and for Jesus.

Donna Weaver

September 29, 2006

I will miss Ruth though I had never had the privilege of spending much time with her. She counseled and encouraged me as a young Christian woman many years ago. Her family has been dearly loved by my family for many years. She was truly an example for all, but especially women who feel the calling of God on their lives. What a great woman and it is my privilege to have been touched by her life. My prayers go with her mother Alice for strength, love and even joy for the days ahead.

Martha Bessac

September 29, 2006

Ruth Ann and I started SWBTS at the same time, both entering seminary definitely later than most, both living in Barnard Hall, only a year apart in age, and both significantly taller than most. Over our seminary years her quiet strength, keen intellect, and kind smile were always evident. Over the years I'd hear where she was and then was delighted when a friend found a trusted professor in Ruth Ann at Truett. Her illness and death saddens me but that our worlds intersected brings joy. Her faith was always evident and an encouragement. She truly was God's faithful servant and she will be misssed

Barrett Kent Border

September 29, 2006

I am indeed saddened to read of Ruth Ann's death. She was one of my absolute favorite professors and a great teacher. As I sat in church two Sundays ago, I thought of her when my pastor mentioned his goal of building a family life center. I chortled to myself and thought, "what would Ruth Ann say?" She had a way of distilling the Gospel in practical, concrete and memorable ways. She will be missed.

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