Ruth Swaty

Ruth was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, to Mary and Archie Adams. Both preceded her in death. She graduated from Memorial High School in 1966. She attended Moore General School of Nursing and earned her Licensed Vocational Nurse license in 1969. There, she found a passion for supporting those experiencing mental distress. She started her career as a psychiatric nurse. Later, she brought the same compassion and empathy to the special education program at Alief Independent School District. She supported hundreds of Elsik High School students through their transition to adulthood.

With her husband and daughter, Ruth traveled the world. She lived in Belgium, London, and Germany. Later in life, she traveled to the Far East. She spent time in Seoul and eventually lived in Iwakuni, on Japan's Honshu island. She often described Iwakuni as her favorite.

Those who knew her would say Ruth was unfailingly kind and patiently upbeat. She never met a stranger. People in the checkout line often felt comfortable telling her their life story. She had a deep love of Coca-Cola, making gift baskets, 1950s science fiction movies, and rubber ducks. Ruth loved to volunteer and gave many hours to brightening patients' days at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital.

Ruth is survived by her husband of nearly 56 years, Tim Swaty. She is also survived by her daughter, Amanda Swaty Myers; her son-in-law, Dennis; and her grandson, Ethan. Her brother, George Adams, and his wife, Maureen, survive her as well. Many loving nephews and nieces mourn her loss.

The family is navigating what comes next. They may plan a celebration of life at a later date, as Ruth would never have wanted to subject friends and family to the Houston heat this time of year.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ruth's memory to the Children's Tumor Foundation at join.ctf.org/campaign/757191/donate. Honor her spirit by being kind, assuming positive intent, and sharing a genuine smile.