Annie Ruth Ward, 94 entered into eternal life December 26, 2015 at Memorial Hermann-Katy. Born August 4, 1921 in Pancake, TX to Barney Edmund Morgan and Maude Bell Mayhew Morgan, Annie was a resident of Matagorda, TX for 51 years and most recently a resident of Weston Lakes in Fulshear, TX for 16 years.

Raised in a farming family in Jonesboro, TX, Ruth was the youngest of six children. She was graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1939, and honored at her 75th high school reunion as the ex-student Homecoming Queen. In 1940, Annie was married to Thomas M. Ward of Ames, TX, celebrating 61 anniversaries until his passing in 2002. After his service in World War II, Tom and Ruth moved to Bay City for his job with the U. S. Corps of Engineers, then to Matagorda in 1948. Living at the Colorado River locks offered opportunities for unique adventures for the active Ward family. Devoted to raising their children, Ruth eventually went to work for the U. S. Postal Service, retiring after serving as Postmaster of Matagorda, TX 77457 for 20 years.

Survivors in Ruth's extensive family include son and daughter-in-law James C. and Rhonda Ward of Fulshear, daughter and son-in-law Elaine Ruth and Norman Cobb of Willis, and daughter and son-in-law Diane and Jeff Barnes of Matagorda. Eleven grandchildren include Jamie Ward Manning and husband Rad of Houston, Taylor Ward of Lakewood, CO, Whitney Ward of Fulshear, Jeff Baucum and wife Dana of the Woodlands, Troy Miller and wife Krisztina of Atascocita, Trae Miller and wife Melissa of Austin, Dawn Green of Houston, Melissa Griffith and husband Travis of Huffman, Ashley Green of Lake Jackson, and Amber Green of Houston. Eight great-grandchildren include Ashtin Baucum of Austin and Caden Baucum of The Woodlands, Alec Miller of LaPorte, Kriszten and Korinna Miller of Atascocita, Autry and Gavin Griffith of Huffman, Karissa Manning of Houston, and Madison Miller of Austin. Additional family members include dearly loved brother-in-law Joe Ward and wife Martha of Odessa, TX, sister-in-law Jackie Ward of Trenton, NJ, 11 nephews and 17 nieces, numerous great nephews and nieces and countless friends at First United Methodist Church-Fulshear. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and two sisters.

As a member of First United Methodist Church-Fulshear and previously a member of Matagorda United Methodist Church, Ruth was constantly involved in church and community service. She was a founding member of the Matagorda V.F.W. Post #4459, a member of the Women's Auxiliary of the Matagorda Fire Department, and a member of the Matagorda River's End Garden Club.

During retirement in Matagorda, Ruth enjoyed many activities with Diane's children, who were raised in Matagorda. Of great importance to Ruth was taking her children and then her grandchildren to Bay City for piano lessons, which resulted in lifelong performing musical interests. A Houston sports fan throughout her life, she'd watch the Astros in one room while Tom watched the Atlanta Braves on his TV. Having played as a feisty little guard for the Jonesboro High School basketball team, Ruth transferred that love to watching the Houston Rockets.

Ruth enjoyed life by tending her garden and canning the vegetables, singing and playing the piano by ear, dancing with Tom and James, teaching children's Sunday School classes, having Elaine provide personal hairstyling for nearly 50 years, attending her grandchildren's sporting events, and playing dominoes until just last week. A lifelong green thumb inspired Ruth to select a special place in the yard for every pot plant brought to her home. Lilies bloom every spring as a result of Ruth's stealth plantings of lilies rescued after Easter services. Similarly, poinsettias thrived with new and extended life in her yard after Christmas Eve services.

Visitation will be held December 29, 5:30-7:30 PM at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City; burial will be December 31 at 11:30 AM at the Jonesboro Cemetery; and a service to celebrate Ruth's life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on January 2, at First United Methodist Church-Fulshear, with Dr. Mark Welshimer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, remembrance may be made to First United Methodist Church-Fulshear or Matagorda United Methodist Church. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Memorial Hermann-Katy, the staff at Veranda House Assisted Living of Katy, and very special caregiver, Olga Duron of Katy. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, 979-245-4613.