Ruth Louise Nobles Gardner

She was born on June 9, 1931 in Oklahoma City; lived most of her life in Oklahoma. She died on Sunday, August 3, 2025, in the family home in OKC.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband James Allen Gardner (who was seriously injured while serving in the US Navy in WW-2); her parents Mildred Myrtle [Mit] McDowell Nobles and Luther Earl Wright Nobles [Earl or "Jiggs"]; her brothers Helvie Nobles and Jack Nobles and their spouses Joan and Evelyn, respectively. Both brothers served with distinction in WW-2—one was shot down over Germany, the other served in the Battle of the Bulge. Ruth was also preceded in death by two deeply loved sisters Rhama Nobles Hague and Wanda Joan [Joannie] Nobles. She was preceded in death by her aunts, uncles, nephew and many cousins. It is thought that she was the last of her generation in the immediate family.

She is survived by her children: Dr. James Gardner, Rev. Vivian Gardner, Dr. Dale Gardner, and Dr. Gary Gardner; two daughters-in-law Diane and Kelli; six grandchildren (Peter, James Joseph, Caleb, Liam, Sophia, and Anya); and five great-grandchildren (Anna, Susie, Elijah, Isabella, and Scarlett). Ruth is also survived by a deeply-beloved foster daughter Nancy McIntyre; niece Lori Hague Mitchell; as well as nephew her Donald Hague. She is survived by children of these beloved extended family members, most of whom live in the OKC area.

Ruth is survived by her beloved church family at Shields Boulevard Baptist Church of OKC—the congregation where she was baptized and married, and in which most of her children were baptized. Ruth taught Sunday School for over 60 years as well as faithfully serving in many other ways.

Ruth and her husband Jim are also survived by many nieces and nephews in the Gardner family, living in Texas and Arkansas.

As a child, Ruth lived with her family in farming communities in Woodford and near Velma, Oklahoma. Much of her childhood was in south Oklahoma City. She graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1949. After marriage she and her growing family lived in El Paso, Texas for a few years. Then in the late 1950s they returned "home" to Oklahoma City where she lived the rest of her life. She and her family were members successively of Shields Boulevard Baptist Church, Southwood Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, and then returned to Shields several decades ago.

Ruth was an excellent seamstress and quilter, gifting many quilts to children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She also enjoyed painting and other artistic endeavors.

Ruth completed an Associate's Degree at Oklahoma City Community College. She worked for several federal agencies, including the DOD at Tinker AFB.

Our "Mama," our "Aunt Ruth," our dear Ruth often affirmed that she was very blessed and she has always been grateful to Almighty God—although she would have preferred fewer griefs along the way.

She will be deeply missed.

Services were organized by Vondel Smith Mortuary in southwest Oklahoma City. A Memorial Service will be at 7:00 PM Tuesday, August 5th at Shields Boulevard Baptist Church. A private family burial was held at the Milo Cemetery in Carter County, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, all are invited to give to local congregations and charities