Ruth Ann Toehay

Ruth Ann Toehay, 81, of Carnegie, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2024, at the Carnegie hospital in Carnegie, Oklahoma.

She was born on November 25, 1942, in Carnegie, Oklahoma, to Samuel and Josephine (Thompson) Tsoodle. Ruth grew up and attended school in Carnegie, graduating from Carnegie High School in 1960, before pursuing higher education from Cameron College. She was a woman of God, and her faith opened many doors of opportunity for her. Ruth passionately served her church, the White Church, as a youth leader and worship singer. She was also a member of the Little Red Church in Carnegie. Ruth was also a member of the gospel singing group, the Zole-tones. Singing the gospel also was the way in which she met her husband, Milton. They both served the same church, and first met while Ruth was on stage singing at the church. After meeting and falling in love with Milton, they married at the Stecker Full Gospel Church in Stecker, Oklahoma, on December 29, 1963.

Ruth and Milton were blessed with six children from this union. Ruth had a lengthy career as a teacher’s aide at Carnegie Elementary. She will be remembered for her beautiful singing voice, her devotion to her church, and her loving heart. She loved her family and community, and her loss will greatly affect those who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her sons: Robert C. Otis, Lawton, OK, Timothy W. Otis, Minneapolis, MN, Samuel W. Otis, Carnegie, OK and Marion Milton Toehay, Jr., Carnegie, OK; daughters: Ruthie A. Boyiddle, Apache, OK, and Josie Morris, Carnegie, OK; a special niece, Victoria Ahhaitty; and special sisters, Tommy Leader, Nona Kodaseet and Lyntha Klinekole; as well as adoptive children: Debbie Davis, Larriel and Gayla Tawkoyty, Jeff Foster, Buddy Pahcoddy, Billy and Lisa Harris and Courtney Goergen. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Toehay; parents, Samuel and Josephine Tsoodle; son-in-law, Hicks Boyiddle; two sisters and a brother.

Funeral service were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at the Kiowa Community Center in Carnegie, OK.

Visitation was from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, January 22, 2024, at the Kiowa Community Center in Carnegie, OK. A Wake was held at 6 p.m. on Monday, January 22 2024, at the Kiowa Community Center, Carnegie, OK.

Internment was in the Carnegie Cemetery in Carnegie, OK.