Ruth Searcy was born September 22, 1927 in Carnegie, Oklahoma to parents Elizabeth (Sutton) and Albert Winter. She attended schools in Carnegie and graduated from Carnegie High in 1945. Ruth married her high school sweetheart, Vernon Searcy, on October 6, 1945 in Carnegie. In 1947 the couple relocated to Shafter, California after Vernon returned home from his military service. Ruth worked in the administration office at Richland School for a number of years, and also operated Coast to Coast Hardware and Giftware with her husband. She had a passion for children; she loved to encourage their growth, and she volunteered countless hours tutoring reading at Richland School in Shafter, and at Ronald Reagan School in Bakersfield, as well as, working with Awanas programs through church. Ruth knew many people, and was a true social butterfly; she always had a smile for everyone. Always a congenial woman, she enjoyed chatting with those she met, and keeping up with social events around town. She was a loving wife and mother, and will be missed dearly. Ruth was preceded in death by her sister, Gladys Alvey; and her brother, Norval Winter. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Vernon Searcy; her sons, Randy and wife Loretta Searcy, and Russell and wife Sonia Searcy; grandchildren, Vince Searcy, Alison Searcy, Jill Owen, T.J. Hernandez and Paul Hernandez; and great grandchildren, Colton Owen, Keith Qualls and Audrey Hernandez. A visitation for Ruth will be held at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter, on Thursday, May 31, from 2-8pm. A graveside service will take place at Shafter Memorial Park on Friday, June 1, beginning at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruth's name to the Awanas program at Valley Baptist Church: 4800 Fruitvale Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93308.