Elsie Ruth Davis

Elsie Ruth Davis, age 96, passed peacefully from this life on December 7, 2025. Born on February 20, 1929, in Olney, Texas, she was the beloved daughter of Dillard and Elsie (Gragg) Maney. One of twelve children, Ruth grew up in Burkburnett, Texas in a hardworking family with a mother who shaped her values and her generous heart.
Known to family and friends simply as Ruth, she devoted her professional life to the calling she loved most: teaching. She earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Bethany Peniel College (now Southern Nazarene University) and spent many years as an elementary school teacher in Electra, Texas. Even after retirement, Ruth never stopped teaching. She continued to bless others by leading Sunday School classes for children and adults, tutoring English-language learners, and sharing a curriculum on self-worth with young children titled "I Am Thumbody."
Ruth was a lifelong learner herself. Rarely seen without a book in hand, she was famous for reading with her red pen poised. Her Bible-and most of the books she owned-were heavily underlined, giving new meaning to the phrase "red-letter Bible." Nearly every verse of Scripture bore her careful markings, reflecting how precious the Word was to her.
Faith was the center of Ruth's life. A lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene, she was a faithful volunteer in her congregation and community. She served for many years as church pianist, teacher, and church board member, while her devoted husband Neil served as church treasurer. Together, Ruth and Neil were honored with the Church of the Nazarene's highest award for laypersons, the Distinguished Service Award, recognizing their steadfast dedication to Christ and to the Church. She was a member of Wichita Falls, Texas First Church of the Nazarene, Christian Women's Club, The Daughters of the American Revolution, and served as local President in the Delta Kappa Gamma Society promoting professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.
Ruth married Martin Neil Davis, the love of her life and husband for almost 65 years. Together they raised four children, whom they loved deeply and guided faithfully:
- Diane (Jim) Priest and grandchildren, Spencer (Haylie), Amanda Howell (Martin) and great-grandson, James
- Karen Davis Sandlin, and grandchildren, Madeline Fulton, Austin (Rayssa) Sandlin and Molly Sandlin
- Steve (Dee) Davis and grandchildren, Else, Gillian, and Wyatt
- Scott (Anne Bramman) Davis
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Neil, her parents, and all 11 of her brothers and sisters.
Ruth's life was defined by faith, service, humility, and love-a life poured out for her family, her students, her church, and her community. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched.
A graveside service will be held at 4pm on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Crestview Memorial Park in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 5-7pm and a Celebration of Life service celebrating Ruth's life will be held on January 3, 2026, at 11am at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Chapel, Bethany, OK. A lunch reception for funeral attendees will follow at 12:30pm at Swadley's BBQ, 4000 N. Rockwell Ave, Bethany, OK.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruth's memory to Wichita Falls First Church of the Nazarene. The family gratefully acknowledges the care provided by The Mansion at Waterford Assisted Living, Legend Assisted Living, and Valir Hospice Care.