Georgia Ruth Haliburton

Georgia Ruth Haliburton of Vega passed away on April 24th, 2022, at the age of 96. She was born on a farm in Oldham County on June 16, 1925, to John and Lydia Haliburton. At the time of her death, she was the oldest living native-born Oldham County resident still residing in Vega. Ruth was always willing to share her vivid, detailed memories of Vega and her family’s history in Oldham County.

Ruth graduated from Vega High School in 1942 and attended West Texas State College. She began her career in banking at First State Bank in Vega in the summer of 1943 and continued for over 50 years. She was a member of the American Women’s Banking Association.

Her service at Vega United Methodist Church began at an early age and included teaching children’s Sunday School for many years, serving on various committees, and dedication to United Methodist Women. She served at the Wesley Community Center in Amarillo. Ruth was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a long-time member and officer of Memorial Park Cemetery Association. She was honored as Oldham County Citizen of the year and was a proud conservative Oldham County Democrat.

Ruth is survived by nephew John Haliburton and wife Cindi, nieces Donna Hill and Sherry McCavit, and husband Jack, and numerous great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Lydia Haliburton, brothers Gene Haliburton and wife Louise and their daughter Cynthia Brown, and Jim Haliburton and wife Anne.

Memorial services will be at 2:00 P.M., Friday, June 3, 2022, at Vega United Methodist Church. Memorials can be made to Memorial Park Cemetery at Vega, Vega United Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice.

9 Replies to “Georgia Ruth Haliburton”

  1. So sorry for your loss. I’m just hearing about Ruth’s passing. The last time I saw Ruth was one evening (around 7pm) at the Target store in Amarillo. I believe it was in 2016 when she was only 91. It was late evening (around 7pm) but she was still going strong and not at all concerned about driving back to Vega at night as would others if her age. Growing up in the First State Bank family with Ruth was a blessing. I remember receiving birthday cards from Ruth and the other ladies for many years. It was a special treat to receive homemade popcorn balls at Halloween from she and her Mother.
    I especially appreciated Ruth for hosting a Bridal Luncheon for me. That gesture was especially meaningful since mother almost passed away just before my wedding and struggling to regain her health so she could attend the wedding. Ruth loved the calendars I sent her with pictures from motorcycle trips we had taken and was always interested to hear about our travels. So blessed to have known Ruth; she will be sorely missed.

  2. I am so sorry to learn of Ruth’s passing. As a child, visiting with my first cousin Cynthia Haliburton, she was always ‘Aunt Ruth’. Such a long and wonderful life in Vega and Oldham County. I always loved my time with her in the 1950s and early 1960s. I remember her Studebakers and she had several. Rest in Peace, Aunt Ruth. You will be missed greatly

  3. I first met Ruth in the late 1950’s and often characterized her as “intense”. Her goals and efforts were positive, not negative, even though she could be a little irritating at times. I actually appreciated her direct approach with me and understood how interested she could be in a great variety of subjects. My wife had to be influenced by Ruth because there was never a paper plate or plastic fork on our table or at the campsite. In my view Ruth was consistent and gracious in her long service to Vega, Oldham County, FUMC and especially in later years to my family. We were always warmly greeted at her home, at Roundup, Church or some gathering of interest in Amarillo. Thanks again Ruth.

  4. Prayers for Ruth’s family. My family knew Ruth for years. She was a fine Christian lady.

  5. I was honored to be Ruth’s pastor at Vega UMC for abut three years.
    – She always insisted that the church live up to a very high standard in everything we did…which meant if we wanted to take an easy way out (like using paper plates for Sr. Breakfast) she remained steadfast in her desire for real glass plates and matching silverware…in doing so she always got us to be the best that we could be.
    – Ruth loved politics (she once referred to herself as a “political animal” in her younger days and she always was interested in what was happening in the world which helped to balance out my focus on the local community
    – Her love for the Vega FUMC was beyond measure and she continued to serve it by coming to pick up attendance records on Sunday afternoon even when she could no longer attend worship
    -She was quite an independent lady
    – she could be harsh at times, but she was also quick to forgive and did not hold a grudge
    – even when she was driving us absolutely nuts (the strawberries had to be just right, the real silverware needed to be of the same pattern and the folding chairs the same color at each table (I still do this today) and the hand lotion for the bags given to the Shut In’s had to come from Drug Emporium – we loved her because we knew how many, many years of service she had devoted to our church and we knew that the finished product – with Ruth’s attention to detail- would be worth the effort
    – I usually spent 45 minutes or so after church on Sunday talking to her about a variety of things – who she thought was going to win the Super Bowl, what show she had watched on pbs, political issues and the people that promoted a particular idea, a musical event that she had attended and was always amazed at the variety of her interests.
    – I moved from Vega a few years ago, but always I will remember Ruth as the heart and soul of that church. She helped me to grow as a pastor and as a person. I already miss her.

    1. Thank you so much. Your understanding and appreciation of Ruth as a woman ahead of her time is cherished.

  6. Ruth is a beloved woman of our community and the “bank” family and the church family of our town. She also was an inspiration to others, reaching out to serve in her community and beyond. My parents worked with Ruth for decades and I will always think of Ruth as a beloved family member. I had the privilege of visiting with her in her later years and will always be inspired by her humor, her love of life, and her clear-headedness and crisp thoughts. What a wonderful and unique person. Much love and fondest memories. You will be so missed, dear one.

    1. Thank you Shelley. She remained sharp and independent until the very end. Strong women of her era are a blessing to us all. Cindi

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