Ruth Ann Arndt

Ruth Ann Rodgers Arndt was born January 5, 1934 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Clifford A. and Gladys M. (Robinson) Rodgers. Her early years were spent in Nebraska and Kansas but most of her public schooling came in Muskogee, Ok. She attended A. R. Jr. High and graduated from old Central High School in 1951. After graduation she attended Bethany Nazarene College, Muskogee Junior College and eventually gained her B. S. and Masters of Education from Northeastern State University. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa. On June 14, 1952 she married Darrell R. Arndt in Muskogee, OK and that marriage dissolved. After that she completed her education and she began her teaching career in Eufaula, OK. She then moved to Muskogee Public Schools and was one of the first teachers to begin the integration process teaching at old Sadler Jr. High School. She would later teach at West High Jr. High School and McCoy’s returning to West High until retirement. She loved teaching and loved her students and tried to make her classes enjoyable and challenging. A high point of each year was the Science Fair and one of her most rewarding experiences was accompanying one of her students who qualified for the International Science Fair held in San Diego, CA. After retiring from teaching she kept an active lifestyle. She enjoyed being a Flea Market vendor, gardening, building masonry projects, cutting and splitting her own firewood and being an active member of the volunteer services at Muskogee Regional, now Eastar medical center. By April, 2014 she had contributed over 4,500 volunteer hours, serving as vice-president and later president of that service. In everything she did she believed that if you were going to do something do it right and would give 150%. She was an avid fan of OU football except when they played Nebraska when she returned to her roots and cheered for the red and white instead of the Crimson and Cream. Through the years she was steadfast in her faith in Jesus Christ and very active in church activities and choirs until her health began to fade. She was preceded in death by her parents and both brothers; C. Bill Rodgers and Charles A. Rodgers. She is survived by one son, Tom Arndt and wife Janell; a granddaughter Julia C. Arndt; a grandson David B. Arndt and wife Sarah. Great grandchildren Joshua, Rachel and Uriah Arndt. She is also survived by other relatives and many friends including two furry friends, Snoopy and Frisky. Family visitation will be Monday, August 25, 2014 at Cornerstone Funeral Home, 1830 N. York St. Muskogee from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Funeral services celebrating Ruth’s life will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at New Life Center, 4025 Gibson St., Muskogee, OK with Pastor Philip Morris officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Arndt, Jason Todd, Ronald Cagle, Jon Garrett, Donald Jaquez, and Kenneth Greenfield Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Donald Beach and John Gragg. Funeral services are under the direction of Cornerstone Funeral Home and Crematory, 1830 North York Street, Muskogee, Oklahoma. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cornerstoneofmuskogee.com

Ruth Ann Arndt

January 5, 1934 - August 21, 2014