Mrs. Ruth Wallace of Decatur, finished her earthly life’s journey on February 12, 2015. She was born in Lauderdale, County on November 4, 1926, to the late Pearl and Allen Behel She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Morgan Wallace; son Stanley Thomas Wallace; and siblings, Allen David Behel, Leva Behel Osbirn, Emory Behel and Hollis Behel. She is survived by daughters Linda Wallace Huff of Jonesboro, GA, and Carol Wallace of Lakeland, FL; daughter-in-law, Linda Stewart Wallace of Decatur; grandchildren, Scott Huff of Henderson, TN, Leah Wallace Trammell (Ronnie) of Blountsville, Caroline Wallace and Morgan Wallace of Decatur; sisters, Elmira Behel Howell (Jerrel) and Cornelia Behel Ragester; and brother, Manson Behel (Wyna), all of Florence.
She and her seven siblings were raised on the family farm in Greenhill. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1945 where she served as class president and was voted most popular. She attended Lipscomb University and The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. In Tuscaloosa, she met and married Arthur Morgan Wallace, her late husband of 52 years. They raised their three children in Tuscaloosa. With children still at home, she returned to school at The University of Alabama, received her B.S. Degree in 1969 and then her Master’s Degree in Home Economics (dietetics) in 1971. She worked for years as a dietitian at Druid City Hospital in Tuscaloosa and then served as director of Food and Nutrition Services at West Alabama General Hospital in Northport, until her retirement. She also served as president of the Alabama Dietary Association.
Mrs. Wallace was a devoted grandmother and provided the utmost attention and encouragement to her three grandchildren. She was a diligent lifelong student of the Bible and was a member of the Beltline church of Christ where she taught ladies’ Bible classes and was the namesake of their women’s service group, Daughters of Ruth. She loved family history and put together several booklets on the subject. She had a keen interest in politics and frequently shared her views with our elected officials through phone calls and letters.
Mrs. Wallace lived each day with strength, purpose and gratitude. She had a sweet, sweet spirit and was cherished by all who knew her.
Arrangements are being handled by Roselawn Funeral Home. The family received friends at Beltline Church of Christ on Monday, February 16, 2015, from noon to 2 p.m. The funeral service followed at 2 p.m. with her brother, Manson Behel and grandson, Scott Huff officiating. Interment was in Tri-Cities Memorial Garden in Florence.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beltline Church of Christ Wednesday Night Benevolence Meal Program, 2159 Beltline Road, SW, Decatur, AL 35601.
