Ruth Lillian Balfour Strother

Ruth Lillian Balfour Strother, age 89, a resident of Albuquerque since May of 1945, died Wednesday, November 13, 2013. She is survived by her children, Robin D. Strother and wife, Nancy of Mancos, CO, Kathy Steele of San Antonio, TX, and Gail Cramer and husband, David of Mayhill, NM; five grandchildren, Tracy Burnett, Matt and Marcus Cramer, and Bobby and Enoch Steele; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Graham Balfour of Rohnert Park, CA; several nieces and nephews; and numerous other relatives and friends. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph L. Strother; grandson, Shane Strother; brother, Doug Balfour; and parents, George and Winifred Balfour. She was born in 1924 in Detroit, MI and graduated from high school in Farmington, MI. After moving to Albuquerque, she met her husband-to-be at a YWCA dance and they were married in 1949. Ruth was a longtime member of Highland Baptist Church where she served as Treasurer for many years. She was New Mexico "Mother of the Year" in 1971. Ruth was also a member of the Gamma Delta Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha for more than 50 years where she made friendships which lasted until the end. She served on the board of Easter Seals. Ruth was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Services will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2013, 11:00 a.m., at Highland Baptist Church, 417 Palomas Dr. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, with Pastor John Embery officiating. Private Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association-New Mexico Chapter, 9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE, #121, Albuquerque, NM 87111, Hospice of New Mexico, 4015 Carlisle NE, Suite E, Albuquerque, NM 87107, or Highland Baptist Church. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400