Ruth Ellen Mcdown

Ruth passed away March 13, 2023, in Oklahoma City. She was born November 23, 1932 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Ed and Bernice Dittmer. She grew up the daughter of a preacher and lived many places around Oklahoma. She later married A.W. "Bill" McDown in Custer City on August 9, 1952. She attended OU and later earned a bachelor's degree in education from Sacrament State (currently known as California State University at Sacramento). Ruth taught school everywhere she lived. She had a passion for teaching first grade, but also had the opportunity to teach all grades at a one-room schoolhouse in Montana, as well as various grades during their time in Saudi Arabia.Ruth was an extraordinarily gifted pianist and began playing in church when she was 10 years old. She continued playing alongside Bill as he led music in many churches throughout their married life. She and Bill also performed at many weddings, funerals and services throughout the years.After Bill retired, they moved to the family farm in Calvin, Oklahoma. They ended up relocating to Oklahoma City 14 years ago. He and Ruth joined Quail Springs Baptist Church where she often played the piano in Sunday school and at Wednesday evening services.She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Paul, her husband of 68 years, Bill, and their son, Paul. She is survived by two sons, Chuck and John; daughter-in-law, Pamela; brother, Jim Dittmer; sisters, Ann Holsclaw and Frances Bradley; five grandchildren, Crystal Barber, John McDown, Jeremy McDown, Noelle McDown, and Corey McDown; seven great-grandchildren, Caleb, Rex, Autumn, Jacob and Hope Barber, and Sasha and Ezra McDown; and many nieces, nephews and extended relatives.A memorial service to celebrate Ruth's life will be held Monday, March 20, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. at Quail Springs Baptist Church.