Ruth Ponder Neeper

Ruth Neeper went home to be with her Lord and Savior, on May 19, 2024, at the age of 93. She was born on October 22, 1930, to Henry Roscoe and Mary Willie (Buckalew) Ponder in the farming community of Emhouse, near Corsicana, Texas. She graduated from her community high school as the Salutatorian of her class before attending Baylor University. During her junior year she met the love of her life, Leland Neeper. They were married on November 18, 1951. Having relocated for Leland's job, Ruth completed her degree at the University of Houston with a double major in history and education with a teaching minor in government. Ruth was a stay at home mother until her children were older, but over her lifetime, she worked in libraries in El Paso,TX, Glen Ellyn, IL, Easton, PA and finally at LeTourneau College until her retirement,
Ruth and Leland were active members of First Baptist Church, Longview, for many years and for as long as their health allowed. One of Ruth's favorite pastimes was reading. She especially enjoyed studying the Bible as she prepared for teaching ladies Sunday School classes for most of her adult life. She was also active in WMU, Meals on Wheels and helped with visitation of the homebound church members. Their church was their community and a central part of their family life. It was here that they made close friendships and were a part of a domino group and a supper club for many years.
A proud native of Texas, Ruth spent the last two years of her life living in Mississippi, so she could be closer to family after Leland's death. Her family is grateful for the compassionate care she received both at Ridgeland Place Assisted Living and in the Siena Center at St. Catherine's Village.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Leland; her parents; her in-laws, Lloyd and Henri Lee Neeper; her grandson, Mark Steele; her brothers, J.D. Ponder (Mary) and Henry Ponder. She is survived by her daughter Mary Lee Steele (Al) of Flora, MS, her son, Layne (Carol) Neeper of Morehead, KY, grandchildren, Laura Sessions (Richie); David Steele (Lauren); Lowell Neeper; Hannah Neeper; great grandchildren, Mary Leslie Sessions; Griffin Sessions; Margaret Sessions; Mark Steele; Mary Cameron Steele; Great Grandbaby Steele (on the way); sister in law, Genell Ponder; several nieces and one nephew.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00, on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in the Ford Chapel of First Baptist Church, Longview, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or First Baptist Church, Longview, TX. An online guest book is available at Sebrell Funeral Home (Ridgeland, MS).