Ruth Dawson

Ruth Dawson, a dearly beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, was called to be with the Lord on Monday, October 28, 2019, in Longview, Texas, following an extended illness. Ruth was born on February 3, 1923, to Ruby Pearl (Dobbs) Patin and Emile Gustav (Gus) Patin in Port Arthur, Texas. Following her graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School, Ruth was employed by Bell Telephone Company in Port Arthur as a switchboard operator. She was a resident of Groves for over 70 years, before moving to Longview in September 2005 after Hurricane Rita. Ruth married the love of her life, Leland Bond (L.B.) Dawson, Jr. on October 27, 1945, and they were happily devoted to each other until L.B.s passing in March 2008, fondly calling each other by their pet names, "Punkin" and "Lovie." Ruth was a member of First Baptist Church of Groves for most of her life, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and was a long-time participant in Womens Missionary Union (WMU). Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, cooking, baking, and camping. She enjoyed gathering with friends and family in Groves, as well as playing Scrabble and card games with her "new" friends at Buckner Westminster Place in Longview, where she lived for the last 14 years. She was an enthusiastic participant in a variety of Buckner activities, attending orchestra and opera productions, plays, ballet performances, and outings to local places of interest. Ruth is survived by one son, David Dawson, and wife Shela, of Mount Pleasant, TX; one daughter, Bonnie Horstmann, of San Diego, CA; grandson Brian Dawson, wife Katherine, and great-granddaughter, Isabella, of Dripping Springs, TX; grandson Kevin Dawson, wife Shelby, and great-grandchildren, Luke and Katie, of Hallsville, TX; one brother, John Patin, of Arlington, TX; one sister-in-law, Norma Dean, of Lake Jackson, TX; and several nieces and nephews. A visitation for family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 2, 2019, at Levingston Funeral Home, 5601 39th Street, Groves, TX 77619, followed by a service to honor Ruths memory at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Joe Worley and Reverend Charles Miller officiating. Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park.