Freer – On December 24, 2021 at the age of 91, Oma Ruth McDonald Massey graduated from this life and joined the Christmas celebration in Heaven. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8
Oma Ruth was born October 20, 1930 in Belton, Texas to William Elmer and Violet Coffman McDonald. She graduated salutatorian from Jarrell high school in 1948. She married Robert J. (Bob) Massey July 26,1948. Oma Ruth and Bob moved to Freer in 1950. Other than a brief sojourn in the early 1960’s, they lived the rest of their days as citizens of Freer while accomplishing the challenging task of raising their three sons.
Growing up on a farm near Jarrell, Texas during the Great Depression and World War II, her parents instilled in her an unbreakable work ethic as she exemplified throughout her life. She rose to the level of Executive Vice President of Brush Country Bank and retired at the age of 90 after 50 years of service. Oma Ruth was an active member, faithful leader, and Bible study teacher at First Baptist Church for a countless number of years. She coordinated an annual community-wide Sunrise Easter Service for more than 30 years and an annual Ladies’ Prayer Breakfast for more than 25 years, as well as innumerable other projects and events.
Oma Ruth deeply loved her family. Although totally unobjective, she maintained the opinion that her sons were near perfect. She will be lovingly remembered for her kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness.
Oma Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 40 years, Robert J. (Bob) Massey, and her son, Robert W. Massey. She is survived by her sons, James R. Massey (Sharon), and Michael B. Massey (Melody), her grandchildren, Jeffrey W. Massey (Catrina), Dr. Jamie S. Massey (Robert Lyons), and Lyndsay E. Massey, M.D. (Adam Lovitz), and by three great grandchildren, Jacob Lyons, Branson Massey and William Lovitz-Massey. She is also survived by her sisters, Shirley Snowden (Donald), and Carolyn Taplin (Harry).
Visitation will be held Friday, December 31, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Freer with Pastor Daryl Hall officiating. Interment will follow at Hahl Memorial Cemetery in Freer.
If you wish to donate in her memory, donations may be made to the memorial fund at First Baptist Church of Freer (fbcfreer.org), P. O. Box 389, Freer, TX 78357, or the charity of your choice.
A very special thank you to Viki Delagarza and Rachel Salinas for their care, kindness and friendship that allowed Oma Ruth to live independently during the last few years.
Flowers for Oma Ruth’s service are best directed to Purple Sage Emporium and Flower Shop in Freer, 361-394-5574.
You are invited to sign the online guest book at masseyfh.com.
Arrangements by Massey Funeral Home, Yorktown, Texas 361-564-2900
