Born on May 10, 1935, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to Floyd & Selena Cortines, she was a devoted servant of the Lord and dedicated her life to caring for others. Ruth was a Certified Nurse's Assistant at Memorial Hospital, a home health assistant in-home, and worked at Pinecrest Nursing Home in the Alzheimer's Unit until retirement. She left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
Ruth's greatest achievement was her role as a mother raising seven children and being the best mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother that ever lived. Her love for her family and her faith was unwavering, and she will be forever remembered for her kindness, compassion, and devotion.
Ruth had a special gift for cooking and was famous for her homemade biscuits, jelly, and banana bread—treasured family favorites. Her passion for sewing, caring for her family, and working in the yard were just a few of the things that brought her joy. She loved traveling to the mountains, visiting shut-ins, and taking care of friends and neighbors. Above all, Ruth loved Jesus and strived to live a life that reflected her faith. She was a powerful prayer warrior for all. She often said, "I try to treat people the way I think the Lord would have me treat others."
A longtime member of Woodlawn Baptist Church, Ruth wanted to be remembered for her love of Jesus, her dedication to her family, and her generous spirit. She was proud of her children, two of whom served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and six grandchildren who also followed the call to serve.
Ruth is survived by her children: Doris Lovejoy, Peggy Hershelman & husband Greg, Alton Inman & wife Pam, Catherine Womack, Lorraine Bryan & husband John, and Travis Flowers & wife Alicia; daughter-in-law Sherrian Inman; grandchildren: Jimmy Inman & wife Joann, Robert Inman & wife Marla, Tina Williams & husband Lee, Michael Brent Lovejoy & wife Jamie, Kenny Lovejoy & wife Crystal, Nicole Sikes, Monica Bazan, Brandon Hershelman & wife Jennifer, Chad Lee & wife Kim, Marshall Inman & wife Kylie, Morgan Inman & wife Rachel, Cody Inman & wife Laston, Brian Womack, Logan Womack, Bridgette Cherwaty & husband John, Johnathan Bryan & wife Brandi, Austin Flowers & Jaclyn, Tristin Flowers, Andrea Michelle Lovejoy (deceased), Jason Womack, Sabrina Womack, Ramona Baker & husband Charles, Regina Carver, and James Ehrhardt; 36 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; and her brother Walter Cortines & wife Carolyn, and sister-in-law Sylvia Bailey & husband Calvin, and Aunt Cora Whitley, along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her son Wayne Inman, step-son Jessie Inman, and step-daughter Lana Gayle Temple; her husbands Jessie Inman, Billy Bruce, and Travis Flowers; and her brothers Floyd Cortines, Jr. & wife Bess, Martin Cortines, Robert Cortines, Jewel Overall & husband Chester, Mary McGee & husband Bobby, Pauline Glowsky, Ann Couch, Marvin Cortines & wife Ruby Jean, and beloved niece and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. at Gipson Funeral Home in Lufkin, TX. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 1 p.m. Ruth will be laid to rest at Old Union Cemetery.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all who have supported them during this time. Ruth's legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.
