Del Ruth Skaggs

The daughters of Del Ruth Skaggs are saddened to share that she passed away Sunday, August 18.

Mom’s gone home to spend time with her beloved parents, Audrey and Alfred Pearce; to gossip with her sisters Joan and Bernice; and to rib her brother Don. She’ll be doing crosswords and poetry with her daughter, Suzanna. And, she’ll be leading them all in a chorus of Delta Dawn and ensuring the heavenly gowns and halos of all those who preceded her-including her niece Kay Lou and nephew Tim-were adjusted just right!

Del Ruth was a proud resident of Marlow. For years, she was the society editor of The Marlow Review, ensuring the countless weddings, showers, and other occasions that were special to the subjects were thoughtfully brought to the page. She and our father, Bart, raised cattle with her sister Joan and her husband, JL, on their adjoining land. She later enjoyed ensuring the investments in Oklahoma’s resources her parents worked so hard to acquire were well-maintained.

She was a high school cheerleader who grew to be her family’s biggest supporter. Anything her girls wanted to do, mom was there to say we could make it happen and help us in any way she could. Any successes her daughters Kelly, Tracy, Suzanna and Carol have enjoyed were the fruits of her confidence in us and unflinching love.

Mom faced the considerable challenges life brought to her with consistent grace and humor. Never one to linger in self-pity, she taught us to face life with humor and gratitude. She was an excellent judge of character but never judgmental, and we will forever miss being able to count on her counsel.

Mom loved to creatively edit cards to poke a little fun at the recipients and throw in a few words of wisdom. We’ll continue to miss those delightful missives, and the family car rides, when we load would up pillows and drive around with mom singing one of her many old favorites.

Del Ruth passed peacefully Sunday, August 18 at the age of 91 with her daughters by her side. She is survived by her daughters Kelly VanderHeyden, Tracy Skaggs, and Carol Anderson; her sons-in-law Brian VanderHeyden, Mark Hawkins, and Mark Anderson; and her grandchildren Jessica and Kyle VanderHeyden and Caroline Anderson. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Suzanna Hawkins, as well as by her parents and siblings.

Please visit Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for updates regarding services.