Wilma Ruth Samuel

Ruth Samuel of Denton, Texas, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on December 30, 2025. Born on October 31, 1926, in Dial, Texas, to Henry Green Smith and Edna Clara Hendrix, she was the seventh of eight children.

Ruth’s life was rooted in a deep and abiding faith in Jesus, guiding her every step. Also with her husband, Jake, she was a founding member of Denton Bible Church. She loved hosting Bible studies in her home and prison ministry; she loved sharing her faith and encouragement.

She grew up in Ladonia, Texas and graduated from Ladonia High School. She married her beloved, Jake Samuel, on May 23, 1946. Together, they raised their four children Bobby, Rodney, Donna, and Brenda. The couple spent several years living in New York before returning to Texas. While raising her children, she worked as a secretary at Texas Woman’s University and the University of North Texas and also ran her own business as a Mary Kay Independent Consultant.

Ruth was a joyful, health-conscious woman who loved a good joke, dancing, and, most of all, her Lord and family. Late one evening, university student neighbors kept her awake with a party; she decided to walk over and ask if she could join them. They welcomed her and she enjoyed meeting new friends and sharing stories with the young adults.

She recently celebrated her 99th birthday surrounded by four generations of descendants. As she reflected on her long life, she was amazed at how a girl born in a rural N. East TX home could experience so much, including traveling the world her husband and friends.

She was preceded in death by; her beloved husband Jake Samuel, her daughter Donna Samuel Hargrove, her parents, her siblings and their spouses, her daughter-in-law Margaret Samuel and her grandson Jeremy Samuel.

She is lovingly remembered by; son Bobby Samuel, grandson Kevin Samuel; son Rodney Samuel, his wife Donna Jean, their children; Leeman Samuel, Adam Samuel (wife Kandace), and great-granddaughters Isla and Emmy; grandson Jacob E. Hargrove; granddaughter Jennifer Hargrove, her children; great-grandchildren Jacob Caso, Joshua Caso, Joseph Golden, Alicia Escamilla, and Tommy Escamilla; grandson John Hargrove, his wife Vernice; Brenda Samuel Fields, her husband Davy, their children; Glen Fields (wife Erin) and Lyricole Quick (husband Kyler Quick), grandson Harrison Fields and great-great-grandchildren Gunner, and Madilynn Quick. Many nieces and nephews too.

A viewing and visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at DeBerry Funeral Directors, 2025 W. University, Denton (940)-383-4200, with the memorial service on Saturday, January 10, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, 3801 Roselawn Dr., Denton (940)-382-5532. Following the graveside service, family and friends are invited to a time of fellowship at Hope Community Church of the Nazarene, 3600 King’s Row, Denton.

Ruth Samuel will be remembered for her joyful spirit, devotion to Jesus, and love that spanned five generations; a woman of enduring faith, she brought laughter, warmth, and love to everyone around her.