Ruth Imogene Lang

She was born on January 5, 1931 in Marion, Ohio to Walter Ray Pickering and Eva Delora Harbin Pickering. She was the middle child of three. She was raised in Marion, Ohio and attended school there. She graduated from Harding High in 1949 where she also played the violin in the school orchestra. After graduation, she worked for the telephone company until 1952. She then worked for Tecumseh Products from 1952-1954. She left in 1954 to attend college at Central Bible Institute in Springfield, Missouri where she learned sign language and played violin in the orchestra. She returned to Marion in 1956 to help care for her father who passed away in June. She remained in Marion until 1959 working at a magazine company and as a telephone switchboard operator for a department store.

In 1958 she applied for and was accepted for a teaching position at Southern Bible College in Houston, Texas. She moved to Houston in 1959 to teach sign language and attend classes as well. This is where she met and married Willie “Bill” Lang, her husband of 55 years. Their only child, Carolyn was born one year later. She became a full time housewife and minister’s wife working alongside her husband. She taught Sunday school, and children’s ministry for many years. She also worked as an assistant troop leader in the San Jacinto girl scouts until the mid 70’s.

After her husband’s retirement from the railroad, they began attending auctions and flea markets. They also began traveling, as well as hosting traveling opportunities. Their travels included most of the continental U.S., as well as Alaska and Hawaii. Their travels abroad included Israel (4 times), Egypt, Turkey, Russia, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands. Her hobbies included sewing, knitting, quilting, painting, ceramics, and crafts.

Survived by: Daughter, Carolyn Lang Christian and husband Billy of Humble, TX ; three granddaughters, Sharaya Christian and Rebekah Christian of Humble, TX and Sarah Cooper and husband Brad, of Humble, TX ; one great granddaughter , Skyler Nicole Cooper of Humble, TX ; one brother, Emerson Ray Pickering (Sonny) of Houston, TX and numerous nieces and nephews as well as many lifelong friends.

Preceded in death by: husband, Willie Lang of Houston, TX ; Parents Walter Ray Pickering and Eva Delora Harbin of Marion, Ohio ; sister Eleanor Grace Sparks of Marion, Ohio.

Special thanks to the staff of Total Loving Care for the excellent care of Ruth since 2015.