Ruth Ann Kearley
February 8, 2022
Fort Worth, Texas – Ruth Ann Kearley (Ruthie), a proud, life-long resident of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 8, 2022. The family will have a private, graveside ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers: Katie Berggren, Travis Bogard, Robert Jackson, Curt Rode, Wesley Jackson, Dylan Jackson, and Daniel Buenger. Honorary Pallbearers: Geof Stanley, Joel Purdy, Richard and Judy Haskell, Tom and Queed Cheek, Jennifer Cheek, Jenny Bogard, Lurah and Jim Brawner, Marianne and Jerry Monroe, Ronda Needham, and Nancy Kee
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to either The Tarrant Area Food Bank, Jubilee Theater, or the American Cancer Society.
Ruthie graduated from Paschal High School. While at Paschal, she entered the Miss Teenage Fort Worth pageant and won, due in part to her beautiful singing voice. After high school, Ruthie later completed a special Certificate Program in Advertising & Public Relations from Texas Christian University.
Ruthie started her career at Fort Worth Tarrant Teachers Credit Union (now EECU), as the receptionist. Little did she know how much that job would impact her life. It was there, under the leadership of her mentor Jerry Deering, that she learned about Credit Unions while also gaining valuable leadership tools. He gave her many opportunities to pioneer new directions like planning and developing one of the first marketing departments for a credit union in the state of Texas. She left EECU after 17 years to start her own credit union focused marketing and branding firm, Kearley and Company, in 1981. Kearley and Company is still a thriving business 41 years later.
Ruthie dedicated much of her time and talents to various volunteer efforts. She served on various Boards for many years including the Fort Worth Chapter of Credit Unions, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the Tarrant County Lighthouse for the Blind, and Jubilee Theater. In retirement, she invested deeply in efforts for the Tarrant Area Food Bank, including chairing their Empty Bowls event as well as the Chef Series for three consecutive years. Ruthie was also a lifelong member of PRSA and the American Advertising Federation–Fort Worth, which honored her with their Silver Medal in 2011.
In addition to her many professional accomplishments, Ruthie felt her most rewarding accomplishment was the many wonderful, long-term friendships she enjoyed with so many people. This included a tight-knit group of lifelong friends she referred to as her family and, most importantly, her husband of 54 years, Tom.
Ruthie believed honesty is always the right path, fairness paves the road to successful relationships, and maintaining a realistic sense of self and sense of humor keeps you sane. Her positive spirit, her kindness, and her wisdom will be greatly missed by all.
Ruthie is survived by her husband of 54 years, Thomas J. Kearley; her sister Judy Simpson; her beloved brother Tom Simpson and partner Geof Stanley; niece Kellie Berggren and great niece Katie Berggren; daughter of choice Elisa Rode and husband Curt Rode; and a large extended family of choice including nieces, nephews, and friends.
Published by Star-Telegram on Feb. 13, 2022.