Ruth Haswell Ross

Ruth Haswell Ross, 78, resident of San Angelo, passed away on September 12th, 2015. Family visitation is from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Johnson's Funeral Home on Thursday, September 17, 2015. Funeral service is at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2015 at St. Paul Presbyterian Church with burial following in Fairmount Cemetery. Ruth was born June 14, 1937, in Lufkin, Texas to Norma Stokes Haswell and H.M. Haswell. She graduated from East Texas State University (Texas A&M Commerce) and later acquired an M.A. from the University of Northern Colorado. She was a Kappa Delta Sorority member and maintained affiliation throughout her life. She accepted her first teaching job in San Angelo in the early 1960's. Soon after, she met and married David E. Ross and they resided in San Angelo until his death in 1995. She remained in San Angelo until the last year, when she briefly resided in Houston nearer to her family. Ruth worked as an educator and counselor in SAISD for 35 years. She began her career as a history teacher - often referring to kids as 'house apes' while infusing tests with humorous questions about other teachers or the school cafeteria- all attempts to keep students engaged. She transitioned into guidance counseling in the 80's and strove to assist parents and teenagers with negotiating the pivotal junior high years. She was on the state textbook committee, received numerous teaching awards, and was a proud Tom Green County Democrat. She loved to argue politics and social issues and notably seemed to grow intellectually sharper as the day moved into night. At Groveton High school, she was named most likely to help others and Outstanding Senior Girl in Texas 4H. She carried the belief and acted throughout life as one that could always be counted on to help others. Our hope is that she has peace and contentment in knowing that so many have related a story about the positive impact she had. Ruth is survived by her son, Brian Ross and his wife Stephanie; four grandchildren, Cai, Raleigh, Madeline and Savannah; and her brother H.M. Haswell II. She is also survived by her cousins, Frank and Jeanette Stokes, John E. Stokes, and Helen Jean Hyden. In her memory, donations may be made to West Texas Counseling & Guidance, 242 N Magdalen, San Angelo, TX 76903, (325) 227-7703 or at sanangelocounseling.org. Ruth served on the board of and their mission was very close to her heart. Family and friends may sign the online register book at johnsons-funeralhome.com.