Francis Ruth Van Noy

1935 - 2022

Francis Ruth Van Noy
March 31, 1935 - January 26, 2022
Arlington, Texas - Francis Ruth Van Noy aka Teddy Bear the Clown, 86, of Arlington, Texas entered heaven's gates January 26, 2022 with her family by her side. She loved her four kids more than anything in the world. She also loved Christmas and would decorate her home inside and out. She had Christmas decorations in 8 colors so each year was different. She also decorated 20 of her neighbor's mail boxes for Christmas and 4th of July, every year.
Ruth was born in Midland, Texas to Hugh Arthur Horton and Alice Francis Collins and graduated Polytechnic High School in 1953. She then became a Ballroom dance instructor, where she met and then married Donald Gene Van Noy in 1955.
Ruth worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone for 28 years. After retiring in 1985, "Teddy Bear" started clowning. She trained at the Telephone Pioneers in Dallas, the University of Wisconsin- Lacrosse, University of Texas at Arlington and Tarrant County College in Fort Worth.
"Teddy Bear" was associated with the Mid-Cities Clowns, Cowtown Clowns, Telephone Pioneer Clowns, Texas Clown Association, Clowns of America International, Fellowship of Christian Magicians, Texas Association of Magicians and Happi Tymes Clown Alley. She won 1st Place at the Texas Clown Association Convention for her clown makeup and costumes. Ruth taught clowning and magic to hundreds of children and adults at TCC Campuses and many other schools around the metroplex. She also performed at Khaki's Restaurant, City of Arlington 4th of July Parades, birthday parties, company picnics and more.
She was preceded in death by her precious brother Billy Horton.
Ruth is survived by her son Donnie Van Noy and wife Wendy, daughter Dedra Steinhibel and husband Joe, daughter Denise Caccese and husband Bud and son Doug Van Noy. Grandchildren include Joshua, Sarah and Brooklyn. Great-grandchildren include Noah, Avery, Collins, Samantha, Skyler, Bentley and Berkley. A private graveside service was held on January 31, 2022 in Arlington, Texas.