One of the ways Ruth showed love to her family, friends, and even strangers was by cooking or baking. Her son Franklin once said, “She loved God’s people, especially those who needed a helping hand, a guiding touch or a loving hug. She delighted in doing things that you never heard about—cooking for a sick neighbor, teaching Sunday school and visiting the jail.” (Decision Magazine Aug. 2007)

In one of Ruth’s poems she wrote:

Love
without clinging
cry
if you must–
but privately cry;
the heart will adjust
in the newness of loving
in practical ways:
in cleaning
and cooking
and sorting out clothes,
all say, “I love you,”
when lovingly done.

Oatmeal Icebox Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup flour
2 cups nuts
3 cups regular oatmeal
2 sticks margarine
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs

Cream: sugar and softened margarine
Add: eggs
Sift and add: flour, soda, salt
Add: vanilla, oatmeal, nuts (chopped)

Roll into several long rolls on floured surface. Wrap each in wax paper and store in freezer until needed. As needed, slice thin and place (well spaced) on greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 300° for 10-15 minutes.