Gladys Ruth (Spears) Iwashita

Gladys "Ruth" Iwashita created a legacy during her 92 years of life that will continue throughout future generations. She lived a noble life with strength and dignity, cared for her household with wisdom, raised her children with faithful instruction, did not partake in idleness, and was beautiful as a independent woman. Her husband had full confidence in her, and she fearlessly praised her Lord.

Ruth Iwashita entered Heaven's Gates on October 30, 2021, with her beloved husband by her side in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born to parents Daniel and Minnie Spears on May 28, 1929, in Mountainburg, AR. The large family, with a total of 12 children altogether, moved to Morris, OK where Ruth finished her education.

Dabbling in a few years of metal and machinery work, Ruth discovered her passion was pouring into her six children as a stay-at-home Mother. George Iwashita and Ruth were married for 58 wonderful years, and were life partners until her last breath. They lived in California for the majority of their married life and made memories as they enjoyed nature trips or camping in the beautiful weather. In Ruth's early 70's, she tested her hand at shooting bow-and-arrow, and to her delight, discovered she had a natural talent for it! She was highlighted in the local newspaper displaying her deer hunting trophies. Pigs and rattlesnakes also found themselves as her frequent targets.

Ruth was also a natural with children, not only her own two sons and four daughters and many grandchildren, but also with the kids at their church. They loved to come sit on her lap during the service. At home, Ruth enjoyed arts and crafts such as painting and creating woodwork figurines. Following George's retirement, they spent the last 19 years in Oklahoma around their grandkids and great-grandkids. She continued to enjoy nature, this time on 147 acres with animals and a self-designed farmhouse. Ruth was blessed to spend her last years surrounded by the people she loved most and she will be missed by her family deeply.

Ruth Iwashita is preceded in death by her children Larry Marston, Shirley Lamb, and Gerold McCalister; parents Daniel and Minnie Spears; grandchildren Travis Sheen, Kinda Lamb, and Aaron McCalister; sisters Kathlene Spears, Edna Spears, Sally Braud, Viola Myers and Dallis Barker; brothers Wesley Spears, Gene Spears, GW Spears, Danny Spears, Ellis Spears, and Nyle Spears. Ruth is survived by her husband George Iwashita; children Francis Polete, Ronda Harp, and Kimi Ray; 13 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren, along with many other extended family members.

Ruth's life will be remembered on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 1 PM at Abundant Life Church in Council Hill, OK with visitation beginning at 11 AM. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at 1:30 PM at Burwood Cemetery in Escalon, CA. Services are under the direction of Ingram, Smith & Turner Mortuary in Yukon, OK.

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