Ruth Wannell Painter Aaron died on December 25, 2011, one day after celebrating her 87th birthday. She was born to Carrie Hudson Painter and James Wonnie Painter on December 24, 1924 in the Waketon Community west of Lewisville, Texas. Wannell, a life-long resident of Lewisville, graduated as valedictorian from Lewisville High School in 1941, and attended North Texas State Teachers College from 1941 through 1943. Wannell married Grady Franklin Aaron in 1944, and they were married for more than 65 years until his death in 2009. In 1959, she began her career with Lewisville State Bank as a teller, and retired as a Vice President from its successor, First City Bank, in 1984. Wannell was a loyal and faithful member of the Methodist Church for more than 78 years, having joined Chinn's Chapel Methodist Church in 1932. In 1946, she joined Lewisville First United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Workers Class and of United Methodist Women. She served the church in many capacities including Sunday School teacher and church librarian, and as a member of numerous boards and committees. After her retirement, she volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the New Hope Learning Center. In addition to her accomplishments in the business world, Wannell was a wonderful cook and a skilled seamstress. She loved Christmas, family get-togethers, flowers, bird-watching and trips to the Ozarks. She was a good, kind and gentle woman and was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother Sam O. Painter and her sister Helen Dixon Tate. She is survived by son Dan Aaron and wife Barbara; daughter Penny Aaron Voss and husband Fred; grandsons Chip Voss and wife Christy, Kirk Voss and Russell Aaron; by her brother Fred Painter and wife Ferne and her brother Edd Painter; by her sister-in-law Betty Edmonds Aaron and her sister-in-law Jo Marie Renfroe; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 30 at Lewisville First United Methodist Church, followed by graveside services at Chinn's Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 29 at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home in Lewisville, Texas. In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Wannell's request, donations may be made to the Permanent Endowment Fund of Lewisville First United Methodist Church. On-line condolences may be made at www.mulkeymason.com.
Published in Dallas Morning News on December 28, 2011