Mary Ruth "Penny" O'Toole

Mary Ruth O’Toole was born September 17, 1941 and passed away August 5, 2024. She was affectionally known to all of her family and friends as “Penny”. Penny was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Born in Gurdon, Arkansas, she was a true country girl. Living a simple life she epitomized small town values, faithful, honest, respectful of all, and true to the Lord. As a teenager living in Clovis, New Mexico, she met the love of her life, a young military man named Richard O’Toole. After a very short courtship they married in 1958 and stayed faithful to one another for life. Living in New Mexico and New York for a short time they finally settled in Texas where they made a beautiful life and home for their family.

 From 1961 till 1993 they lived in a suburb of Fort Worth, Texas. Being a hard-working country girl, Penny worked many jobs during this time, but she was always there for her family. They made the move from the hustle and bustle of the big city in Fort Worth to the quiet country life of Santo, Texas in 1993. Penny had told Richard she was ready to live in the country and he built her a home where she was the happiest. Penny was a beautiful lady in every aspect of her life. Carrying herself with grace, compassion, and kindness. She was affectionately known as Grandma O’Toole by the children in Santo, a title she was very proud and gracious of.

 Penny was not a complicated person, but she was not a person to back down from an adventure. She loved traveling, camping, fishing, and anything else that involved family participation. She and her husband Richard took countless long scenic drives through the Texas countryside. Be it a truck, car, or motorcycle, she just loved seeing God’s beauty and blessings in the trees, flowers, and wildlife. Penny was baptized a child of God. She really loved reading her bible and listening to good country gospel hymns. 

 Penny is survived by her husband Richard O’Toole of Santo Tx; her daughter Deana O’Toole of Santo Tx; her son Rich O’Toole and his wife Helen of Upham ND; her grandson Michael O’Toole and his wife Kayla and Great Grandson Austin of Bottineau ND; her granddaughter Mindy Brunsell and Great Grandsons Tyler and Alex of Williston ND. She is also survived by four brothers and two sisters, Wayne, Jim, Joe, Mike, Marie, and Pat; as well as many nieces and nephews. Penny was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Cherrie.

 Visitation will be held from 6 -8 p.m. Friday at Baum-Carlock-Bumgardner Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, August 10, 2024 at the Palo Pinto County Cowboy Church. Interment will follow at Santo North Cemetery.