Ruth King

Ruth Lambert King passed away peacefully at her home in Georgetown, Texas, on September 4, 2025. She was born in August 1930 in Itasca, Texas, to A.A. "Tobe" and Ella Thomas Lambert.
A proud graduate of Cleburne High School, Ruth cherished her time as both a "Wampus Cat" and a "Yellowjacket." In May 1957, she married her high school sweetheart, George L. King, Jr. Together, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2007-a milestone that marked a lifetime of shared love and partnership.
Early in their marriage, Ruth and George lived in Corpus Christi, where George served as a Professor of Geology at the University of Corpus Christi. Ruth worked in the university's business office and later transitioned to the registrar's office. George's career took the family to Austin, Texas, where they spent many meaningful years while their children completed high school and college. During this time, Ruth was an active PTA volunteer across several campuses and participated in various booster clubs. She and George were also active members of University Baptist Church in Austin.
Professionally, Ruth made significant contributions to the field of purchasing management. She was a charter member of the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM) and later served on its board of directors. In recognition of more than four decades of service, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NAPM / ISM Southwest Forum in 2012.
Following George's retirement, the couple moved to Waco, Texas. Ruth joined the Baylor University staff, first working in the School of Education and later in the Purchasing Division of the Business Office. Her dedication was honored with an Outstanding Staff Member award as well as an "Alumna By Choice" (ABC) award-an acknowledgment of her deep commitment to the Baylor mission and community.
In 2005, after recovering from a major heart attack, Ruth was selected as a representative for the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" campaign-an experience that reflected both her resilience and her advocacy for women's health.
After George's passing, Ruth moved to Georgetown to be closer to her son David and daughter Linda. Though retired, she remained engaged with NAPM / ISM organizations and continued to pursue her interests in sewing and genealogy. She found joy in following the lives and accomplishments of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents A.A. and Ella Lambert; her husband George L. King Jr.; her son Lloyd Douglas Hollingsworth; and her brother and sister-in-law A.J. and Marie Lambert.
She is survived by her son David L. King and his wife Margaret; daughter Linda King Johnson and her husband Terry; grandson Douglas Hollingsworth and his wife Angie; granddaughter Emily King Loontjer and her husband Garrett; granddaughter Katie King Ogden and her husband Chris; granddaughter Christine King Penksa and her husband Brandon; niece Kathy Lambert Dunn and her husband Mike; as well as great-grandchildren Fallon, Cash, Scarlett, Bo, Ellie, Parker, Turner, Wade, and Georgia. She also leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends who will cherish her memory.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who offered prayers, calls, and words of encouragement during Ruth's final months. Special appreciation is given to the doctors and staff of the Baylor Scott & White system-especially Dr. Amy Stancoven (Cardiology), Dr. Mithula Gopalam, Dr. Roshny George, Dr. Joseph Fernandez, Dr. Patrick Robinson (Palliative Care), their teams-and Three Oaks Hospice for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" program, The BrightFocus Foundation for Macular Degeneration Research, or a local pet rescue organization.
May Ruth's memory bring comfort to all who knew her.