Ruth McCoy Upton Ouder

Ruth Elizabeth McCoy Upton Ouder, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 21, 2025. She was 95 years old.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, George and Josephine Fandal McCoy; 17 brothers and sisters; her husbands, James Robert Upton and Joseph “J.C.” Ouder; and four of her six children – Ronald L. Upton, Robert A. Upton, Betty Upton Watson and Kimberly Upton Smith.

Left to cherish Ruth’s memory are her brothers, John and Fritz McCoy; her children, James “Jim” Upton (Tanya) and Paula Ouder (Margaret Pierce); her children-in-law, Michael Watson (Cathy), Mark “Smitty” Smith (Angelique), and Sheryl Harris (Brian); 11 grandchildren – Ronald H. Upton (Ann), Brian Spatola, Robert W. Upton, Emeric Watson (Susan), Erica Watson Smith (Raymond), Derek Upton (Alicia), Jake Smith (Dolores “Doe” Verschoore), Joshua Smith (Emily), Victoria “Tori” Upton, Austin Upton (Caitlin), and Pierce “P.J.” Ouder; numerous nieces and nephews; more cousins than can be counted; and a wide circle of beloved friends. 

Ruth’s living legacy includes 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Among Ruth’s survivors, her niece, Sandy Kay Bray (Ronnie), held a special place in Ruth’s heart, providing faithful love and care after Ruth stopped driving, shortly after her 90th birthday.

She had the best neighbors anybody could ask for, who always made sure she was well-fed and celebrated.

Born and raised in Slidell, Louisiana, Ruth graduated from Slidell High School in 1948 and eagerly attended the school’s annual “50 Year Club” reunion, one of her favorite dates on the calendar.

Ruth worked as rural letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, where she made lasting friendships and enjoyed traveling the country with fellow carriers on numerous adventures.

She worried enough for everyone else and excelled at caring for others, especially in their time of need.  Fiercely independent and tough as nails, it was difficult for Ruth to accept help when she finally needed it, but she bore the limitations of advanced age and a failing heart valve with grace and genuine concern for her children and caregivers.

Ruth shared a love of gardening with her late husband J.C. She enjoyed cooking, canning and happily eating the food they grew. She made amazing jellies and preserves with local fruits.

Ruth enjoyed watching wrestling on television and attended the occasional Mid-South match in person with her grandchildren.  She adored making others laugh by sharing dirty jokes or playfully delivering a well-timed one-finger salute. 

In her quieter hours, she could be found crafting, visiting with friends and family, playing cards, bargain hunting at garage sales, doting on babies and watching “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy.” 

She was a longtime member of the Apple Pie Ridge Club.

In her final months, Ruth was attended by Notre Dame Hospice.  The family is deeply grateful for the kindness and care of nurse Hannah Travis, aide Dionne Davidson and companion Margaret Ducre.

A celebration of a beautiful, well-lived life will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 Gause Blvd. West, in Slidell, Louisiana. 

Visitation for friends and family is scheduled from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. with a funeral service at 1:00 P.M. and reception to follow.