Ruth Sims Armstrong

Weslaco-Ruth Sims Armstrong, 87, passed away on Tuesday, August 7th, 2018. She was born on August 17th, 1930 to Everett Pardon Bowen and Emma Nellie Rowley in Silverton, Ohio. Ruth grew up in Dayton, Ohio with two brothers and two sisters. She met her future husband, Chester E. Sims, and they were married as soon as he returned from the war. Ruth and Chester had four sons together. They split the early years between Ohio and Texas eventually settling in Donna, Texas. Chester owned a pest control business and Ruth went to work for Knapp Medical Center for over 20 years. She was named the 1969 Employee of the Year and kept the plaque as one of her personal treasures. She sadly lost Chester in 1981 to cancer. Ruth continued to thrive and care for her grown children and grandchildren. After retiring from the hospital Ruth's life started another chapter upon marrying John Lewis Armstrong. They both shared an interest in travel which included a trip to Alaska. When at home Ruth continued in the community by volunteering at Knapp Hospital and the First Baptist Church of Donna. Unfortunately, after sharing life and family ties for several years Lewis passed away and Ruth continued in life as an independent woman. Ruth will be remembered as a cherished member of the First Baptist Church in Donna where she played the organ. In her seventies, she took over the position of church secretary for several years. She was always the first to volunteer and devoted countless hours to helping others. Ruth was a great cook and shared her home cooking at the church potluck meals. Ruth took great pride in her boys and their families. She was a devoted Mom and loved family gatherings both in Texas and Indiana. She lived a full life; even in the later years whilst struggling to not let chronic pain curtail her involvement in daily life. Ruth will be missed by family and friends but her blessings are left with us. Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, and father of her children, Chester E. Sims, second husband, John Lewis Armstrong, brother, Everette Lee Bowen and her sister Margie Hudson. She is survived by her sons, Kenneth Lee Sims (Elizabeth) of Blanco, TX, Rodney Sims (Susan) of Weslaco, TX, Thomas Glenn Sims (JoNette) of Weslaco, TX, and Edward Chester Sims of Balch Springs, TX, sister, Evelyn Dorsey of Indiana, brother, Paul Bowen of Massachusetts, grandchildren, John Jason Sims (Cristina), Bonnie Lee Brushwood (Brian), Jessica Gail Sims, and Jessica Roe Bammel (Aaron), great-grandchildren, Penelope, Josephine and Calliope Brushwood. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 10th, from 4-7pm, at McCaleb Funeral Home, with a chapel service at 6 pm. A private graveside burial will follow on Saturday.