Ruth Lyon

Rutheline Lyon, longtime resident of Terrell, passed away peacefully into the presence of her Savior on Sunday, May 17, 2026 with her family at her side. Ruth was born June 9, 1927 in Blackland Community of Rockwall County, TX to Charles Luther and Rosielea Watkins and she was joyfully reunited in Heaven with her parents, her husband W.F. Fowler Lyon, son-in-law Robby Palmer, and her brother, C.T. Watkins and her sister, Katherine Dyer. Ruth was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Terrell where she also worked as the church secretary for over 27 years. Her ability to help not only the ministers and church members but the community was a hallmark of Ruth’s reputation and her career. A woman who had a servant’s heart for the Lord and His people. She was happiest when she was able to help grow the Kingdom through helping others connect with the church with services, worship and outreach as well as deftly handling the administration duties of the church office. Ruth also taught Sunday School for many years with children’s ministry where she also helped on Sunday night’s Baptist Training Union, a program designed to help younger generations to have more in-depth time and reflection on the Word and its applications. She also helped with the Sunbeam program for the little ones and she loved participating in VBS every summer, helping wherever she was able. When not volunteering and teaching with children, Ruth was very active in the church choir where she made many lasting friendships with other members. Her daily walk with God was the foundation of Ruth’s life and, along with the many church roles, she valued her quiet time with Him and had read the Bible completely through 36 times. There were times that Ruth was not at church and during those times, she was home being the best wife, the most loving mother and, later, grandmother and great grandmother to her precious family. She loved time spent with each of them. Watching her beloved Texas Ranger and the Dallas Cowboys along with playing any board or card game especially 42! It was a well known feeling that everyone felt that they ‘wanted to play with Ruth, not against her’! Ruth was a fierce competitor but that competitiveness never took over her absolute joy and love of getting together with friends and family to laugh and create lasting memories. A true Proverbs 31 woman, Ruth will be loved beyond measure by everyone who knew her. Her memory will be forever cherished by her children: Paula McGinnis and husband Bud of Plano, Terence Lyon and wife Linda of Brownsboro and Joy Palmer; grandchildren Casey McGinnis and wife Audrey of Frisco, Carrie McGinnis and husband Yuri Yermakov of Farmers Branch, Joshua Lyon of Austin, Lindsey Ellis and husband Brian of Lindale, Aaron Palmer of Terrell, Leslea Evans and husband Chris of Canton and Kylie Palos and husband Manuel of Terrell; great grandchildren: Tucker McGinnis and wife Anna, Ryan McGinnis, Sutter McGinnis, Emerson McGinnis, Tierney Bourne and husband Dylan, Evynn Lyon, Parker Lyon, Finn Ellis, Hudson Ellis, Remington Ellis, Isabella Palos, Rosielea Palos, Blakely Evans and Brennan Evans; great-great grandchildren: Indie Bourne, Wilder Bourne, Savvy Bourne, Madden Bourne and Sienna Bourne as well as several other extended family, church family and many friends. Funeral service will be 11:00 am Saturday May 30, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Terrell with interment to follow at Oakland Memorial Park. Family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 am one hour prior to service. Family requests in lieu of flowers memorials be made to First Baptist Church Van Fund ,403 N. Catherine St., Terrell, Tx 75160 at www.fbcterrell.org.

Tributes

Ruth Lyon

June 9, 1927 - May 17, 2026