Here is the text of the tribute presented at Mom's funeral, by her Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. Mom would have been pleased:
A Tribute to Mom from her loving children:
We are so proud of our Mom: Ruth Selena Balcolm Jarvis. She could do so many things and do them well. Rather than a man for all seasons, she was a woman for all seasons: A soft spoken strong lady, an excellent bridge player, a student of the bible, a beautiful seamstress and quilter, a gardener and a poet.
After Dad died, Mom started writing poetry. She wrote so much that we decided to put it all together in a bound book entitled "Ruth Truth: A collection of poetry and musings by Ruth Jarvis". Right now, we'd like to share a little of it with you:
'My Poems' by Ruth Jarvis {read by Susan}
'Fantasy' by Ruth Jarvis {read by Mary}
When the children came into this life, it was with Mom singing little boy blue. If you know it, please join us (and we know some of you should know it).
'Little Boy Blue' {read by Bruce}
Mom passed on her talents to her kids, and delivered the CHALLENGE that we write a poem for her book. It was an intimidating homework assignment and many of us took to the challenge with trepidation but delivered out of love for Mom.
'My Mother's Hands' by Sharon Margaret Jarvis Thomas {read by MacKenzie}
'Life of Ruth' by Ronald Dean Jarvis {read by Elaine}
'A Sweet Little Lady in Ames' by James Eldon Jarvis, Jr {read by Steven}
Mom even wrote her own Eulogy. She put her "Song of Ruth" in a sealed envelope with strict instructions to not be opened until her passing.
'Song of Ruth' by Ruth Selena Jarvis {read by Selena, Susan}