My earliest recollection of Ruth (Sister) was when we lived on Johanna Street in Austin, TX in 1934.
At that time I was four years old and Sister was eight years old. She took it upon herself to teach me how to tie my shoes, not an easy task, since I was naturally left-handed and she was right handed. But she persevered until I could do a passable job.
At that time I was four years old and Sister was eight years old. She took it upon herself to teach me how to tie my shoes, not an easy task, since I was naturally left-handed and she was right handed. But she persevered until I could do a passable job.
As adults we would reminisce occasionally about our shared childhood. One incident that she recalled on more than one occasion occurred at the Johanna Street home. As she related it, I was near the sidewalk in front of the house when a neighbor man came by. He stopped briefly and asked me my name. Sister, standing nearby, heard me reply that my name was "Blockhead", a not-so-endearing identity given me by our Daddy. Sister was sorely saddened and hurt by the insensitive label. As she recalled the incident in later years she would become almost tearful. At four years of age I was scarcely aware of her response to the event. As an adult I came to know her as a truly loving, caring, and sensitive big Sister.
During my adolescent-teen years, Ruth spent considerable time away from home and in Bible School in Colorado Springs, CO. God was getting her ready for missionary service. In 1946 or '47 she went to China with our Aunt Ina and Uncle Harry Shreve. She returned to the USA in '48 or '49 after being run out of the country by Mao and the Communists. Upon her return to Grants Pass she was asked to give a missionary service at the local Nazarene church. As a part of that service she asked me to sing a missionary song entitled "So Send I You". With younger sister Dera at the piano, I sang the song. I was pleased with her request, because I was so proud of her and what she was doing for the Lord. Little did we know that her missionary service was just beginning.
In 1951 Ruth worked as a nurse's aide in Grants Pass. At some point in time she traveled in states back East. She met a young man (I believe it was in Allentown, PA) that met her high qualifications as husband material. But it is many miles between Grants Pass, OR and Allentown, PA. However, Bruce Blowers was a resourceful fellow who wasn't going to let a few thousand miles prevent their courtship. He climbed on a bus and came West!
Arriving in Grants Pass without a set of wheels made courtship a bit awkward and they really did want to go to Crater Lake. So, little brother Eugene to the rescue! I loaned them my car and they went to the lake. As Cupid's helper I take a smidgen of credit for helping this romance to blossom. But more than that, I feel that I partially repaid my dear Sister for teaching me to tie my shoes at four years of age.
Our six children, Glenna, and myself, believe that Ruth's judgment of good marriage material was remarkable. We all love and admire Bruce Blowers, her dear husband and life mate.
Eugene Mitchell
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