Ruth England

Ruthie Mae Soap England, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, blessed this world on April 23, 1939. She has left a lasting legacy of love, kindness, and creativity in her wake. Ruthie, aged 84, passed away on March 1, 2024, in Stilwell, Oklahoma, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, John A and Eliza Soap, her loving husband Bobbie England Sr., her daughter Johnny Marie Livers, her granddaughter Angela Kay Morton, and her brothers CJ and Tom Soap.

Ruthie is survived by her son Bobby England Jr. and his wife Donna of Mulberry, AR, her daughters Bobbie Jean Lee and her husband Darren, Shirley Beaver and her husband RG, Regina England and her husband Toby, and Tresa Sidebottom, all of Stilwell, OK. She is also survived by her sister Nancy McHenry of Tulsa, OK, her half brother Bub Locust of Stilwell, OK, as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss her dearly.

Known for her talent in creating traditional clothing like Tear dresses, Ribbon shirts, and skirts, as well as handmade quilts, dolls, and shawls, Ruthie found joy in sewing. She had a passion for gardening, fishing, mushroom hunting, wild onion foraging, and attending Gospel singings. Cooking for her loved ones brought her great joy. Ruthie's first language was Cherokee, and she was recognized as a Cherokee National Treasure for her work in Traditional Clothing. She was a proud member of Piney Creek Baptist Church, where her faith and love for her community shone brightly.

Ruthie leaves behind a large and loving family, including 6 children, 21 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and 20 great-great-grandchildren. She was an adopted grandmother to many and always made everyone feel welcomed and loved.

A celebration of Ruthie's life will take place with a public viewing at Mulberry Tree Baptist Church on March 7, 2024, at 5:00pm to 8:00pm. The funeral service, honoring her incredible journey on Earth, will be held at Hart Funeral Home in Stilwell on March 8, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Following the service, Ruthie will be laid to rest at 3:30 pm on the same day at Tyler Springs Cemetery in Stilwell, Oklahoma.

Ruthie Mae Soap England will forever be remembered for her vibrant spirit, kind heart, and unwavering love for her family. May her memory be a beacon of light for all who were fortunate enough to know her.