In Memory Of
Arnette Ruth Sullivant
1919
2013
Arnette Ruth Sullivant
April 18, 1919 — November 6, 2013
Ruth Thurmond Sullivant, age 94, of Topeka, died Wednesday, November 6, 2013, at Brewster Health Care Center.
She was born April 18, 1919, to Mr. and Mrs. Milam Frank Thurmond in Waco, Texas. She grew up in Bryan – College Station, Texas. Ruth attended Baylor University and Texas Women's University, graduating with a major in art and fashion design from TWU in 1940.
Ruth served 13 years in the alcoholism field, first in McLennan County, Texas, and later, in Topeka, as the executive director of the National Council on Alcoholism (1971-1978). During those years, Ruth served on the board to the Mental Health Association in Texas, and then to the Shawnee County Mental Health Association in Kansas. She was the founder of a Women's AA group here in Topeka that continues to thrive.
Ruth married Robert E. Sullivant, of Topeka, on August, 30, 1978. He preceded her in death on October 30, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents. Also preceding her in death was a son, John Paul Atwood, of California, and a brother Robert Thurmond, of Texas. She is survived by a brother, Frank (Betty) Thurmond, of Bryan, Texas, a son Nick Nicholson of Denton, Texas, a daughter, Meg Atwood of Topeka, a step-son, Mike (Pam) Sullivant of Topeka, and a daughter- in- law, Sue Atwood, of California. She is also survived by 2 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, all of California.
Ruth was a long time member of Grace Episcopal Cathedral of Topeka. A self described Texan "who lived in Kansas for 42 years", Ruth enjoyed art and fashion design. She was an interior decorator at home and in the work place. She enjoyed painting, using water colors, and needle pointing. She was a devoted Texas Aggies fan. Ruth loved life, aged gracefully with beauty and was loved by many for her gifts of hospitality.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00p.m., Monday, November 11th at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka. Funeral services will be held at 10:30a.m., Tuesday, November 12th at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave., Topeka. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Topeka Rescue Mission, PO Box 8350, Topeka, KS 66608 or to Mental Health America, Attn. Gift Office, 2000 N. Beauregard St., 6th Floor, Alexandria, VA 22311
To share a special memory of Ruth or to leave a message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
She was born April 18, 1919, to Mr. and Mrs. Milam Frank Thurmond in Waco, Texas. She grew up in Bryan – College Station, Texas. Ruth attended Baylor University and Texas Women's University, graduating with a major in art and fashion design from TWU in 1940.
Ruth served 13 years in the alcoholism field, first in McLennan County, Texas, and later, in Topeka, as the executive director of the National Council on Alcoholism (1971-1978). During those years, Ruth served on the board to the Mental Health Association in Texas, and then to the Shawnee County Mental Health Association in Kansas. She was the founder of a Women's AA group here in Topeka that continues to thrive.
Ruth married Robert E. Sullivant, of Topeka, on August, 30, 1978. He preceded her in death on October 30, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents. Also preceding her in death was a son, John Paul Atwood, of California, and a brother Robert Thurmond, of Texas. She is survived by a brother, Frank (Betty) Thurmond, of Bryan, Texas, a son Nick Nicholson of Denton, Texas, a daughter, Meg Atwood of Topeka, a step-son, Mike (Pam) Sullivant of Topeka, and a daughter- in- law, Sue Atwood, of California. She is also survived by 2 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, all of California.
Ruth was a long time member of Grace Episcopal Cathedral of Topeka. A self described Texan "who lived in Kansas for 42 years", Ruth enjoyed art and fashion design. She was an interior decorator at home and in the work place. She enjoyed painting, using water colors, and needle pointing. She was a devoted Texas Aggies fan. Ruth loved life, aged gracefully with beauty and was loved by many for her gifts of hospitality.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00p.m., Monday, November 11th at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka. Funeral services will be held at 10:30a.m., Tuesday, November 12th at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave., Topeka. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Topeka Rescue Mission, PO Box 8350, Topeka, KS 66608 or to Mental Health America, Attn. Gift Office, 2000 N. Beauregard St., 6th Floor, Alexandria, VA 22311
To share a special memory of Ruth or to leave a message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Arnette Ruth Sullivant, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Monday, November 11, 2013
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Guestbook
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