Ruth Lucas Obituary
Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 15, 2025.
Ruth Rainbolt Lucas passed away on June 29, 2025 in Wasilla, Alaska. She was born in Seminole, Oklahoma on November 15, 1930, the daughter of Stanford Ellsworth Rainbolt and Clara Ellen Lewis. In 1954, she married her high school classmate, John Henry Lucas Jr., sharing 61 years of marriage until his death in 2015. Ruth lived a life dedicated to education, community service, and family.
Ruth was a lifelong learner and teacher who prioritized education. She began at a young age by giving piano lessons and tutoring. Affectionately known by her nickname Patsy Ruth, she graduated in 1948 from high school in her hometown of Cleveland, Oklahoma. An independent, single, young woman, she ventured to Oklahoma City and worked part-time as she attended college full-time. Upon graduation from Bethany Nazarene College in 1952 with a Bachelor's degree in Education, she returned to Cleveland to teach elementary school. Ruth continued teaching after she and John moved to Bartlesville until Kelly was born. After moving to Tulsa where Susan was born, Ruth returned to the classroom in 1963. While teaching in Tulsa, she completed her Master's in Education from Northeastern State University, Tahlequah OK, in 1974. She retired in 1986 after over 30 years of service, teaching elementary students.
Ruth was a devoted member of Memorial Baptist Church in Tulsa, where she played the piano, worked with volunteer groups, and participated in building and disaster relief missions. Her passion for service extended to her community, as she volunteered at the polls, tutored immigrant families seeking citizenship, and served as a Girl Scout leader. She and her husband John also enjoyed socializing with family and friends while traveling, fishing, playing cards and dominoes, and square dancing.
After retirement, Ruth and John moved to Alaska to be close to their grandsons. Ruth is survived by her sister, Lucille Morgan; her son, Kelly (Gina) and their children, Keane and Kamber; and her daughter, Susan (Bert).
Ruth was a lifelong learner and teacher who prioritized education. She began at a young age by giving piano lessons and tutoring. Affectionately known by her nickname Patsy Ruth, she graduated in 1948 from high school in her hometown of Cleveland, Oklahoma. An independent, single, young woman, she ventured to Oklahoma City and worked part-time as she attended college full-time. Upon graduation from Bethany Nazarene College in 1952 with a Bachelor's degree in Education, she returned to Cleveland to teach elementary school. Ruth continued teaching after she and John moved to Bartlesville until Kelly was born. After moving to Tulsa where Susan was born, Ruth returned to the classroom in 1963. While teaching in Tulsa, she completed her Master's in Education from Northeastern State University, Tahlequah OK, in 1974. She retired in 1986 after over 30 years of service, teaching elementary students.
Ruth was a devoted member of Memorial Baptist Church in Tulsa, where she played the piano, worked with volunteer groups, and participated in building and disaster relief missions. Her passion for service extended to her community, as she volunteered at the polls, tutored immigrant families seeking citizenship, and served as a Girl Scout leader. She and her husband John also enjoyed socializing with family and friends while traveling, fishing, playing cards and dominoes, and square dancing.
After retirement, Ruth and John moved to Alaska to be close to their grandsons. Ruth is survived by her sister, Lucille Morgan; her son, Kelly (Gina) and their children, Keane and Kamber; and her daughter, Susan (Bert).
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