The Norman Transcript
January 3, 1997
Ruth E. Atkins, 86, Norman, died Tuesday, Dec. 31, at her home
in Norman.
Graveside services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, at Norman
IOOF Cemetery, with the Rev. Joe Ted Miller officiating. Arrangements
are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Service.
She was born April 29, 1910, in Dennison, Texas, to William A. and
Frances Cordelia Stricklin. She gew up in Durant and moved to
Stillwater where she graduated from Oklahoma A&M with degrees in
English and music. After graduation, she worked in the governor's office.
She moved to Norman in 1935 and married Dr. W.H. "Tommy" Atkins.
She was the registrar for Norman High School from 1948 to 1954. She
taught for the Norman Public Schools from 1954 until her retirement
in 1974. During her teaching career, she taught music and junior high
school English, and taught in elementary schools. She was a member
of the Kappa Delta sorority, the Business and Professional Women's
Association and St. John's Episcopal Church. After her retirement, Mrs.
Atkins received her real estate license. She enjoyed painting and golf.
Mrs. Atkins was preceded in death by her daughter, Dr. Eliska Atkins
in 1978 and her husband, Dr. W.H. Atkins in 1988.
She is survived by a son, Howard Atkins of Denver, Colo.; a daughter,
Linda Desmond of Walla Walla, Wash.; a sister, Eliska Kimbriel of
Tucson, Ariz.; five grandchldren, Bill, Amy and Lisa Atkins, Matt and
Monica Desmond; and a great-grandchild, Tanner Atkins.
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