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RUTH HOUGHTON

RUTH was born in Liverpool and moved to Birmingham in the early 1950s. She was the eldest sister of a large family, with six brothers and two sisters. When she married her husband, George, she became stepmother to his son and daughter and they also had a girl of their own.

Every Sunday after church, Ruth’s daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter, Stella, would visit for lunch. Ruth would always lay the table with her finest tablecloth, crockery and cutlery.

Ruth attended Birmingham Sparkhill and sold the War Cry for many years.

On one occasion, she met the lord mayor of Birmingham, who kindly let her wear his chain of office.

She was always willing to help others out and frequently supplied cooked meals. She even fed the stray kittens that came into the garden where she lived.

Ruth attended many events over the years, including Stella’s christening and baptism. – SC

DEREK BENNETT, NEWBIGGIN-BY- THE-SEA

BORN in 1931, Derek was invited to the Army by a schoolfriend. He learnt the cornet and gave his heart to Jesus, joining the YP band, singing company and later the senior band.

He met Sylvia in the junior corps and they married in 1954. Twins Eva and Ina were born in 1955, followed by Ann in 1957 and Lyn in 1964.

Derek worked in the mines for more than 40 years. In retirement he and Sylvia enjoyed travelling and seeing their nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Derek’s love for music came second to his love for the Lord. He held many local officer positions, including singing company leader and bandmaster, retiring in 2013. He was active in the sections until March 2020.

Derek struggled with health in recent months. He passed peacefully with Sylvia and his girls at his side, knowing he was meeting the Lord he had served for 81 years. – SR

ANSWERS TO THE CHRISTMAS QUIZ (PAGE 24)

20. c. Evangeline Booth in 1865 19. b. Indian Ocean 18. c. Hertfordshire 17. a. William the Conqueror in 1066 16. b. ‘O Holy Night!’ 15. a. Orange 14. b. ‘Infant Holy’ 13. c. The wise men visiting Jesus 12. c. Wilfred Kitching 11. a. St Helena 10. c. The Cuban missile crisis 9. b. Chalk Farm 8. a. 4 December 7. b. ‘Long Long Ago’ 6. b. Martin Luther 5. c. Celebrating Christmas 4. b. Matthew and Luke 3. a. Seven swans a-swimming 2. a. Henry John Gauntlett in colour) message, 1967 was her first 1. b. 1959 (1957 was her first live TV

Please note that soldiers’ and adherents’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.

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