Mary Ruth Housden Lillard, 91 of Denton born on December 6th, 1924 in Aubrey, TX went peacefully to be in the arms of Jesus on Saturday, January 23rd, 2016 from her home in Denton, Texas.

Mary Ruth was the 3rd of 12 children born to William (Mack) McKinley and Lela Margaret Copeland Housden.

Mary Ruth will especially be remembered as an inquisitive, soft spoken woman of poise and grace with a kind and gentle spirit. She had a beautiful smile that would brighten any room and she loved to laugh. She accepted Jesus at the age of 38, she loved her Lord and Savior with all her heart until the day the Lord called her to her permanent home. She believed in the power of prayer and spent time daily with Jesus praying for her family and friends.

Mary Ruth is survived by her 3 sons, Tony Lillard, and wife, Maydell, Wendell Lillard, and wife, Donna, John Lillard, and wife, Stephanie, and two daughters Darlene Grahl, and husband, Larry, and Kathy Lillard all of Denton, Texas. 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces and friends. 3 beloved brothers, Harold Housden of Aubrey, TX, Lee'O Housden of Jasper, AR and Marvin Housden of Norfork, AR; and one beloved sister Louise Hampton of Denton, Texas.

Mary Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers, Franklin, Charles, and Billy Housden, four sisters, Margaret, Hazel, Ruby Faye, Frances Ellen and the late George T. Lillard, the father of her children.

The family of Mary Ruth would like to especially give thanks to Mary Ruth's Care Team the "Dream Team" for tenderly and compassionately caring for her. Many times she called you all her "Angels". Michelle Hobbs, Tonya Davis, Darla Soye, Robin Flesher, Mary Buchanan, and Calee Reynolds.

A Special thanks also to the nurses, aids and staff of Ardent Hospice Services for the love, care and support given to Mary Ruth and her family.

The family will receive friends and family at DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton, Texas on Wednesday January 27th, 2016, from 6-8 pm. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 28th, 2016, at 2 pm at Faith Tabernacle Assembly of God Church, 1101 Audra Lane, Denton, Texas, with the Reverend Randy Snow, Reverend Craig Benner and Reverend Terry Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Belew Cemetery in Aubrey, Texas.