Member of the Month - November 2007

 

 

Mary Ruth Osborne

by: Tom Whitener

Most of us are familiar with the expression: “cooking for an army.” When the whole Osborne clan gets together, that dinner bell definitely rings true. Over the years, Mary Ruth Osborne has prepared and served more than her fair share of meals to a hungry crew. No Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without a taste of her home-made broccoli casserole or cherry pie. Let’s “chew on” some more information about our November 2007 Member of the Month.  

Proudly declaring to live in Spring Hill “almost my entire life”, Mary Ruth grew up in a typical family, sharing a home with two brothers and a sister, all under the watchful eyes of her dad (a watchman for Carbide) and her mom (who worked as a part-time seamstress).  

Mary Ruth concentrated on a hobby in hair-styling as a child. She laughs, “I would stand on a box, round up the neighborhood kids, and experiment on them.” That early aspiration ultimately convinced her husband, Dennis, to set up a beauty shop in the basement of their house, so Mary Ruth could work at home and be close to her two boys (D.L. and Gary). Dennis passed away in 1980 after 40 years of marriage and Mary Ruth’s business continued until she officially retired a few years ago.   

Making a profession of faith at 36 years old, Mary Ruth retraces the steps of her salvation experience: “Pastor Bob Guelich visited me and tried to explain to me why I needed to be saved.  I just didn’t get it at first, because I already lived a good life and I didn’t do bad things.” She would eventually come to understand the significance of the Gospel message. Mary Ruth is also grateful that she got baptized at Spring Hill Baptist Church on the same night as her husband.      

As a member of Spring Hill Baptist Church for 48 years, this dear 84 year old lady remarks, “It’s a good feeling to see my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren going to church and being active.” Time has turned precious years forward and Mary Ruth remains thankful for the people in our church and, as she describes, “how they are so ready to help each other or find someone to help.”  

Mary Ruth admits that it’s hard to pick out a preferred Scripture, but she quoted Psalm 37:5 as one of her favorites. As far as her choice hymn, Mary Ruth comments, “‘Trust And Obey’ is a pretty good one.”      

Although she is battling some serious health problems, Mary Ruth is still able to smile and answer my questions with spunk. She is not letting current challenges get the best of her. Mary Ruth says, “I simply put my faith in Him. I know I wouldn’t have gotten along as well as I have. Without faith, you can’t expect too much.”      

 

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