Ruby Nell Ruth-Ormon

Ruby Nell McMahan Ruth-Ormon was born on May 22, 1927 in Durant, Oklahoma. Ruby Nell died April 3, 2025 at home with family. She was proceeded in death by her parents Oliver Lee McMahan and Bertha Reeves McMahan; daughter Marla Carter. She is survived by daughters Sharon Richardson and husband John, Pamela Hardin, son-in-law Richard Carter. She has 7 grandchildren: John M. Richardson III, Chris Richardson, Jenifer Briley, C.J. Carter, Travis Carter. Patrick Hardin, and Abigail Hardin. Greatest of all she is survived by 9 great grandchildren: John M. Richardson IV, Joseph Richardson, Ashlyn Briley, Harper Briley, Remi Carter, Milli Carter, Jaxson Carter, Logan Carter, Kaley Carter.
Ruby Nell graduated from Sherman HS in 1944. She attended the University of North Texas earning two undergraduate degrees in January, 1948 and a Master's degree in June, 1948. She earned a PhD in Nutrition and Physics from Texas Women's University in August, 1970. She was also, a registered Dietitian.
Ruby Nell's had several career paths. She taught at West Texas State University, University of Nebraska, University of North Texas, and retired from Tarleton State University as the Home Economic department chairman in 1992. Between teaching stints, she worked in the research and development department for General Mills, she patented a process for using leftover cucumber pieces as artificially fruit flavored additives. She next spent 10 years working for the Visiting Nurse Association of Dallas. She co-initiated and developed the Meal-on-wheels program in Dallas, Texas. She also worked with the aging population, joining with Dallas pastors to create and develop senior citizen centers.
She was fortunate to have found love twice in her life. Life with Fred A. Ruth was cut short by his early death in 1980. 17 years later love bloomed again with Harry Ormon. They enjoyed 11 years of fun and travel.
She was active in many professional associations, President of the Blue Bonnet ladies club, Elder in the presbyterian church, traveled around the world collecting masks and thimbles, avid game and card player.