Ruth Clarkson

Ruth Clarkson heard her Master's call and went home to be with Our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at the Whiteriver Indian Hospital in Whiteriver, Arizona with many of her large family gathered at her bedside. She was 91 years old. Ruth was born on New Years Eve on December 31, 1919 in North Fork, Navajo County, Arizona to the late Tom and Lucy (Colelay) Potter. Ruth was a homemaker who was totally devoted to caring for the needs of her extremely large family; as they were the most import things in her life. She cherished each and everyone more than words can ever express. A true mother and grandma at heart, Ruth enjoyed supporting her children and grandchildren going to all of their special events including: their sporting events and graduations. There were a lot. She was so proud of her Apache heritage and taught her family the true traditions of the Apache Way. She was a woman who had an incredible talent for sewing, too. Throughout her life she was able to make many of her own clothes as well as those of others. She also enjoyed being the recipient of any Apache food made for her and she enjoyed cooking for anyone and everyone. She was an excellent cook! Ruth was a very social person! This sweet and gentle woman had no place for hatred in her heart. She truly was a christian in every sense of the word as she spent her life in the service of others. She loved everyone and everyone truly loved her. Ruth always looked forward to going to church and worshiping with her church family as well. She loved to sing hymns of praise to her Lord during her church worship services. This cute little old lady also had an incredible sense of humor. She was very quick witted and loved to joke with EVERYONE! She will always be remembered for her very "witty" sense of humor and her uncanny ability to get just about anyone to smile. She was funny and just a great joy to be around. This sweet little lady is survived by many, including her: sons: Harlan Hill, Sr., David Clarkson; daughters: Judy Clarkson, Davina Clarkson; son-in-law, Rick Baylish; 10 grandchildren: Darlene H. Begay, Sharon H. Anderson, Harlan Hill, Jr., Horton D. Hill, Marianna Hill DeClay, Gary Hill, Donovan F. Hill, Harley Hill, Richard Clarkson, Delfina Clarkson; 29 great-grandsons; 49 great-granddaughters; 4 nieces and 9 nehews. Along with her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by: her husband, Ralph Clarkson, 3 sons: Phillip Clarkson, Juno Hill, Freeman Hill; a grandson, Bill Hill; her sister, Daisy Dazen; and her brother, Maurice Potter. A 2 day wake for Ruth will begin 10:00 A.M., Thursday, March 18, 2011 at the Clarkson Family home, 403 Whispering Pine Lane in North Fork, Arizona. The funeral service will begin 1:00 P.M., Saturday, March 20, 2011 at the Whiteriver Baptist Church (near the Whiteriver Hospital). The concluding service and interment will follow at the North Fork Cemetery in North Fork, Arizona. Ruth's family would would like to thank everyone who has expressed their sympathies to them throughout thought and deed and is so grateful to all who have offered prayers on their behalf during this difficult time. Arrangements are being cared for by Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel.