Nannie Ruth Merritt was born March 3, 1931, in Whitehouse, Texas, to Thomas and Margie (Travis) Merrit. Ruth was the youngest of 5 children: sisters, Addie and Dessie and brothers, Travis and Elry. Ruth accepted Christ as her Savior at the age of 12.

In her words, “at the ripe old age of 16”, she married Jack Sanders on September 12, 1947, in Weatherford, Texas, by the Justice of the Peace.  Jack was a “worldly” man of 20 who had served in WWII.  They had met in July and were married by September!  They went into business for themselves because Jack had grown up in the produce business.  When the Korean War broke out, Jack was called back into service overseas for another four years.  

After his return they moved to Houston and opened Sanders Fruit Stand that grew to eight locations.  However, Jack’s health declined, and Ruth began a career in the field of banking to support them. It was during this very first hospital stay that Jack accepted Christ as his Savior. Ruth and Jack became active members at Holland Ave. Baptist Church.

Jack’s health never fully recovered, so he became the caretaker of their home and both of their mothers. Ruth said “when Jack became the caretaker in the home, he was much better at keeping house and cooking than I had ever been. We should have switched roles years earlier.” 

In the meantime, Ruth rose to the rank of Assistant Vice President and after 19 years and 11 months was “downsized”.  

Jack and Ruth moved to Georgia in 1998 and were members of New Hope Baptist Church. In 2003 they moved one last time to Hurst, Texas, and joined Friendship Baptist Church in June.  Jack Sanders passed away October 21, 2007, after 60 years of marriage.  

On November 2, 2008, she married longtime friend Jack Barnes of Cleburne, Texas.  They travelled to Israel for a once in a lifetime trip to see where Jesus had walked.  
They were married until his death on May 21, 2022.

Ruth is preceded in death by Jack Sanders and Jack Barnes, her parents, and her brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her stepchildren, several nieces and nephews and her church family.
Funeral arrangements for Ruth Sanders Barnes.

Service to be held Friday November 8, 2024 at Friendship Baptist Church 1248 W. Hurst Blvd
Visitation: 1:30- 2:00 PM, Service: 2:00 PM
Graveside: 11:30 AM Wednesday November 13, 2024 at DFW National Cemetery (Lane 3)