Ruthie Hardage (Sister Ruthie)

Ruthie Mae Hardage, age 82, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, died Monday, March 11, 2024, in Idabel, Oklahoma. She was born Monday, April 28, 1941, to R.E. Gilliam and Maple Deloney Gardner in Wright City, Oklahoma.

Ruthie, a woman of unwavering faith, dedicated her days to serving the Lord and her beloved family. As a devoted and loving mother and grandmother, she worked tirelessly, weaving the threads of love and sacrifice into the fabric of their lives. Ruthie’s legacy is etched in the memories of those she cared for—the warmth of her embrace, the taste of her homemade meals, and the quiet strength that held them together. She lived not for herself but for the ones she loved, leaving behind a memory of selflessness and devotion.

Ruthie was a devout born-again Christian, who fearlessly spread the gospel. Every day, she lived with a steadfast commitment to honor and serve the Lord. For many years, she faithfully served at the First Assembly of God Church in Wright City. She served in many different aspects from teaching Sunday School, singing gospel music in church and in a gospel group in her younger years, and diligently witnessing door-to-door with the sole purpose of bringing people to the Lord.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Michael Hardage and Chester Hardage, III; son-in-law, Frankie Lewis, Sr, and three grandsons, Rufus Hardage, Jr., Aundr'e Smith and Andrew Smith.

She is survived by children, Patricia Lewis of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, Gregory and Darlene Hardage of Clarksville, Texas, Rufus and Kathy Hardage of Wright City, Oklahoma, Terrell Hardage of Idabel, Oklahoma and Cheryl Hardage-Lewis and husband, Ronnie Lewis of Idabel, Oklahoma; one brother, Glenn and Velma Gardner of Valliant, Oklahoma, a legacy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services for Ruthie will be held Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 2 P.M. at the Wright City First Assembly of God in Wright City, Oklahoma with Pastor David Plank officiating. Interment to follow at Joe Slater Memorial Cemetery in Wright City, Oklahoma. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 5-7 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements are entrusted to the Bowser Family Funeral Home in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be Andrew Lewis, Frankie Lewis, Jr., Dennis Bagsby, Jr., Shannon Lewis, and Billy Gardner, Jr. Honorary pallbearers are Glen Gardner, Christopher Cherry, Dennis Bagsby, Sr. and Ronnie Lewis.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com