Ruth Mary (Thomas) McCullough

Ruth Mary McCullough (Thomas), age 82, of Red Oak, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026. She was born on November 1, 1943, in Toledo, Ohio, where she was raised and attended school. While living in Toledo, Ruth met the love of her life, Ralph William McCullough. After they were married, Ralph joined the military, and together they embraced a life of travel and change, never settling in one place for long. Ruth and Ralph were blessed with two children. They endured the heartbreaking loss of their daughter at a young age. She poured her love into her son, Thomas, whom she dearly loved and cherished. Of all the places Ruth lived, her favorites were Mississippi and South Padre Island; places that reflected her love of warm weather, summer days, and the beauty of the beach. She found joy in sunrises and sunsets, moments of quiet wonder that suited her calm and gentle nature. Ruth had a lifelong love of books and learning. She worked as an assistant librarian and later fulfilled a dream by owning and running a bookstore alongside her husband. An avid speller, Ruth was known for her remarkable ability to spell nearly any word put before her. She also worked as a casino cashier and loved spending time at the casino, both working and playing. Family was the center of Ruth’s world. She dearly loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, finding her greatest happiness in time spent with them. She also had a deep love for animals, especially dogs. Her two favorite companions were a collie named Sissy and a rottweiler named Rocky, both of whom held a special place in her heart. Ruth delighted in simple pleasures: watching Gunsmoke, savoring a chocolate milkshake, and striking up conversations with anyone she met. She never met a stranger and made friends easily with her outgoing nature. Known for her sweetness and kindness, Ruth was calm, easygoing, and mild-tempered, rarely upset and always offering patience and understanding to those around her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Russell Thomas and Thelma Mae Nicewander, her daughter Tammy McCullough, and her granddaughter Catherine Thomas.

She is survived by her son Thomas McCullough and his wife Teresa, her grandson Thomas David McCullough, and great-grandchildren Catherine, Cali, and Cyprus, as well as her great-grandson and best friend, David Walker. 

Donations to help with funeral arrangements can be made to Green Funeral Home.

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