Ruth Ada Shepherd Howard, a longtime Cushing area resident passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at the age of 87 with her family by her side.

She was born on July 5, 1926 in Avery Oklahoma to the late Elgin and Mary Jeanette Galloway Shepherd.

She grew up in the Avery and Agra area and attended Agra High School graduating in 1944.

Ruth married the love of her life Mose Howard on September 23, 1944 in Chandler, Oklahoma.

They made their home in the Parkland area; she worked as a school teacher for a few years, but then focused on raising her children. Ruth loved to crochet, quilt, cook, and bake, she especially enjoyed making jelly and canning. She taught her granddaughter Mashae how to make and can jelly.

She enjoyed being outdoors....some say she was a typical farm wife and she loved to fish.

Ruth is survived by her son Gary Howard and wife Linda of Parkland; two daughters Joyce Matzke and special friend Don of Parkland; Sandra “Sandy’ Payne and husband Dwight of Parkland; two sisters Elma Gaither of Cushing; Evalyn Perceful and husband Earl of Muskogee; six grand children Lisa Robinson and Pete; Jessie Howard, Larry Matzke, Luke Greenfield and wife Maranda; Dusty Greenfield and Heather; Mashae Malone and husband Zach; four great grand children Colby Robinson, Kurtis Matzke, Dany Malone, Isabella Greenfield and Justin Howard; and many nieces, nephews, and family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mose; two brothers, Roy and Melvin Shepherd and one sister, Benie Bennett.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 19, 2013 at the Palmer Marler Funeral Home Chapel. Chaplin Ron Keeling will officiate.

Interment will follow at Parkland Cemetery, Parkland, Oklahoma.

Arrangements are entrusted to Palmer Marler Funeral Home, Cushing, Oklahoma.

Condolences and online guest book are available at www.palmermarlerfh.com.