Obituary of Ruth Viola Thacker

Ruth Thacker, age 71, passed away on May 13th, 2012 in Tucson, AZ. Ruth was born on August 22nd, 1940 in Earl, Arkansas to Agnes Mae Gootee and Bernard Leonard Fortinberry. She grew up working the land on farms with her family. Ruth was the seventh out of eleven children: Leonard Bernard Fortinberry, James Adelbert Fortinberry, Luthor Hubert Fortinberry (deceased), Rosa Mae Fortinberry Adams (deceased), Leland Dow Fortinberry, Loland Nead Fortinberry, Ruby Florence Fortinberry Roberson, Lewis Charles Fortinberry, Esther Marie Fortinberry Morgan, and Ethel Dean Fortinberry Alewine. With so many children in the house, there was rarely enough of anything to go around. Ruth learned early on to make the most of what she had, and that lesson followed her and inspired an appreciation and love for the simple things in life - a beautiful place to sit, a laugh, and a home-cooked meal. She left the South to come to Tucson nearly 50 years ago. Ruth gave birth to four children, Jerry Wayne, Randy, William, and Mana. The home she created was always filled with laughter, good food, beautiful things, and plants... and plants... and more plants. She was first and foremost a Gardener. Whether she was growing flowers from seeds, or helping raise her grandson Jacob, she inspired life to flourish and encouraged beauty in everything she did. Ruth loved to hike, conquering southern Arizona trails and mountains with ease. She was a seamstress, a writer, a cook, and a painter. She would bring color and country flair to a wall, or to a rock. If it could be painted, she’d paint it. If it was sweet, she’d eat it. And if there was a dirty joke… oh yes, she’d tell it. She is loved and missed by her family, and her countless "adopted" kids and grandkids. A memorial service will be held at Bring Funeral Homes (6910 E Broadway) on Friday May 18th, 2012 at 1:00pm followed by a reception at the home of Catherine and Victor West, 9622 E Myra Drive. Mana, Bill, Stu, and Jacob wish to express their deepest appreciation to all of the family and friends who have been wonderfully helpful and supportive through this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Ruth’s name with Beads of Courage (www.beadsofcourage.org) to benefit children coping with serious illness through nature retreats at TreeHouse Farm. Grandma Ruth would want everyone to remember her for her garden and for her humor. Plant a seed, tell a joke, and smile knowing that she is Home now.