Ruth Griffin Hardgrave

Ruth Griffin Hardgrave, 89, of San Angelo, Texas, formerly of Sanderson and Fort Stockton, Texas went to be with her Lord and Savior at Baptist Health Care Center on Wednesday, October 8, 2008, in San Angelo. Ruth was born May 14, 1919 in Troy, Texas to James William Griffin and Martha Daisy McLin Griffin. She married Jack William Hardgrave from Sanderson, Texas on December 29, 1940 in Troy, Texas. They then moved to the family ranch in Terrell County, Texas to begin their life together. They were married for over 53 wonderful years until separated by his death on April 27, 1994. Ruth graduated from Troy High School. She was a dedicated homemaker. She was an accomplished artist using watercolors and oils as her primary media. In her retired years, Ruth was active in the Comanche Springs Art Association in Fort Stockton and her paintings received numerous awards in various exhibitions in the area. She generously gave many of her paintings to family and friends. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Joda M. "Joe" Griffin, and three sisters - Bessie Daisy Laughlin, Grace Porter and Carolyn "Polly" Clark. She is survived by her son William David Hardgrave and daughter-in-law, Lanna Kay Jones Hardgrave of Carrollton, Texas; her daughter Virginia Sue "Gina" Hardgrave Sauer and son-in-law, Hyman D. Sauer of Eldorado, Texas; grandchildren Megan Lee Hardgrave of Carrollton, Texas, Andrew Frederick Sauer and wife Carla and son Eli of Colorado City, Texas and Courtney Rene Sauer of Abilene, Texas. Ruth is also survived by two brother-in-laws: Allen Hardgrave and wife Nina of Goldthwaite, Texas, John Hardgrave and wife Peggy of San Angelo, Texas; sister-in-law Mary Bess Harkins and husband Claude of Bastrop, Texas and many nieces and nephews. Ruth and Jack made their home in Sanderson, Texas for over 30 years. After retiring from ranching in Terrell County, Texas, they moved to Fort Stockton, Texas. In Ruth's latter years, she moved to the Baptist Retirement Community in San Angelo, Texas. Ruth was a faithful Christian and long-time member of the Church of Christ at Sanderson. In her retirement years, she attended the Fort Stockton Church of Christ. Her love for the Lord and music could be seen as she sang and hummed songs daily. The family will receive visitors from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 10th at Robert Massie Funeral Home, San Angelo, Texas. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 11th at Robert Massie Funeral Home. The graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 12th in Sanderson, Texas.