Ruth Naomi McMullan Harmon Durkee

SEVICES: 10:00 AM Monday, September 27, 2010, at New Life Assembly of God in Pampa, with David Harmon, her son, officiating.BURIAL: Memory Gardens Cemetery in Pampa, under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Pampa.BIOGRAPHY: Mrs. Durkee was born August 29, 1915 in Birmingham, Alabama to Martin and Aletha Sharp McMullan. Early in her marriage, Ruth moved with her husband Stanley to Mississippi where she began raising her family. She chose her life scripture from Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Ruth attended Carr United Methodist Church in Mississippi where she was an active member, singing solos, leading the music and teaching Sunday school. In the late 1940's, she and her family moved to Pampa where they were active members of the First Assembly of God Church, where she taught a ladies Bible Class for 25 years. Ruth began her career as director of the Pampa Sheltered Workshop in 1968. She spoke for the United Way and other organizations to represent the people she worked with. In 1973, she was chosen as "Woman of the Year" for Pampa, by Beta Sigma Phi. Her husband Stanley died on March 11, 1984, and Ruth later married Eugene Dana Durkee, who also preceded her in death. She continued to enjoy her work with the clients at the workshop until she retired in 1995 at the age of 80. She always considered her work as a blessing rather than a job, and always enjoyed sharing special moments from her work with everyone. Her life verse continued to give her the confidence she needed through the difficult times. Her positive attitude made her a joy to live and work with. Ruth was preceded in death by 7 brothers; 1 sister; her parents; 2 grandsons: Bradley Harmon and Richard Ratliff; and great-grandson: Joseph Harmon.SURVIVORS: 5 children: Elizabeth Brown of Wynnewood, Oklahoma, Kermit Harmon of Dallas, Shirley Dawson of Pearland, Desiree Winkle of Amarillo, and David Harmon of Lubbock; stepdaughter: Linda Rowland of Lexington, Kentucky; 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren.MEMORIALS: Pampa Sheltered Workshop, 1301 W. Somerville, Pampa, Texas 79065.