Remembering Mama Ruth

Ruth L. Adams was the woman I referred to, in public and in private, as “the best mother-in-law in the world.” She passed from this life on October 4, leaving in her wake countless lives touched and friends made.

I had the sad honor of giving the eulogy at her funeral service in Tulsa, Okla. Mama Ruth was the essence of kindness, and finding the stories to tell of how she lived her life, loved her family, and was loved wherever she went was an easy task.

As the end of her life neared, I shared time at her bedside, usually with a guitar. It was a gift of music from one musician to another. She was an outstanding pianist and the best accompanist with whom I’ve ever had the privilege to work.

Ruth looked to scripture to guide her life, and the passages marked in her Bible gave the best indication of the life she lived. What follows is a sample of those passages, shared as part of her eulogy.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not to your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will direct your paths.
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
(1 Peter 3:3-4)

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.
(1 Peter 4:8-10)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
(Galatians 5:25-26)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
(Philippians 4:8-9)