Lois Lorraine Deslonde Ruth

Lois Lorraine Deslonde Ruth August 24, 1929 ~ August 21, 2016 Lois Lorraine Deslonde Ruth peacefully joined her Savior on August 21, 2016 after a brief struggle with cancer. She died as she lived, with grace and concern for others over self. Her life's vocations - wife, mother, educator, community leader and Servant of the Lord - gave meaning and purpose to her life and shone brightly to the end, illuminating all she touched. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 24, 1929, Lois was the fifth of seven children born to James Louis Deslonde, Sr. and Victoria (Percy) Deslonde. She attended Xavier Preparatory High School and later Xavier University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics in 1951. She taught for six years in St. John the Baptist and Orleans Parishes and, during her off hours, volunteering her time to train altar boys and teach religion to public school students. In 1957 Lois became a member of Caritas, a Louisiana-based lay apostolic group, where she worked in religious education and service on the parish, Diocesan and Archdiocesan levels. She formed groups of parishioners who taught religion, made liturgical banners and vestments and conducted Advent and Lenten workshops. During the summer months, Lois helped lead summer camps in Louisiana, Texas and North Carolina. Her work with Caritas also included visiting Tarahumara Indian Missions in and around Sisoguichi, Mexico, where Caritas was planning to open its first foreign mission. She also managed a co-op that later became known as The Freedom Quilting Bee in Alberta, Alabama. After dedicating eleven years to Caritas, Lois was released from her vows. Lois was a community activist long before there was a name for it. Through her community involvement, she succeeded in restoring neglected neighborhoods, improving municipal services for the poor and finding jobs for the unemployed. These achievements were a direct result of the respect and love her neighbors and community leaders had for her. Lois married her beloved George Ruth, Jr. in 1968 and the new couple moved to Houston, Texas to begin their family. In 1974, the family moved to Rosharon, Texas and became members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Manvel, Texas. There Lois taught First Holy Communion for 20 years, was director of Sacred Heart Social Ministry for 10 years, and manager of the parish bookstore for the past 30 years. Lois was also a member of the Basilian Lay Associates and the Legion of Mary. Together they raised three sons, each of whom attended Angleton public schools. Through the power of her personal example, the depth of her passion for learning, and the way she enfolded her three boys in an environment of love, support and encouragement, the Ruth brothers thrived. All three earned university degrees and all have risen to leadership and prominence in their chosen profession. They were, and are, her proudest achievements. Lois is survived by her husband of 48 years George Ruth Jr., sons: George III & Dawn Ruth, Colonel Stephen & Bettina Ruth, Damien & Lisa Ruth; 14 Grandchildren: Trey, Adrianna, Spencer, Tiffany, Kierra, Adam, Kyndall, Marissa, Monica, Stephen II, Sahara, Sterling, Damien Jr. & Devin and one Great-Grandchild Laila and one Great-Grandchild due in November. She is also survived by one brother Dr. Hampton Deslonde, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents James and Victoria (Percy) Deslonde, Brothers James Deslonde II, Robert Deslonde, Hiram Deslonde, and sisters Marie Deslonde Marion & Albertine Deslonde Travis and Daughter-in-law Heather Connolly Ruth. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.PalmsFuneralHome.com. In lieu flowers and in honor of Lois Ruth's legacy of service to others, her family asks that you consider a donation to The Leadership Opportunities In Service (LOIS) Scholarship -- funding leadership development for aspiring students going to college. The LOIS Scholarship, P.O. Box 3, Angleton TX 77516. **Funeral Arrangements for Lois Ruth have been set for 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 1st at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (6502 County Rd 48, Manvel, TX 77578) followed by a 1:00p.m. luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn Houston-Pearland (12101 Shadow Creek Pkwy, Pearland, Texas, 77584). The internment will be a private ceremony held at Houston National Cemetery. Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Lois Lorraine Deslonde Ruth, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Service Information Thursday, September 1st, 2016 11:00am, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Community 6502 County Rd. 48 Manvel, TX 77578