Carolyn Craig Ruddy
Carolyn Craig Ruddy, 70, passed away peacefully in the arms of her husband, Roane, and special sister-in-law, Therese, in Beaumont at 9:30PM on March 19, 2026. Carolyn was born in Beaumont on May 15, 1955, to Yvonne Lyle Craig (Osborne Moor) and Gordon A. Craig. She spent her life in Beaumont, where she attended Forest Park High School, was a cheerleader, and graduated in the top of her class. She then attended the University of Texas Nursing School in Austin, once again graduating with top honors. She loved working as a pediatric RN at St. Elizabeth Hospital and later at Southeast Texas Ear, Nose, and Throat. She served her community as a 45-year member and past president of the Beaumont Junior League, and as a 30-year active member of the Magnolia Garden Club, where during that time she served in some capacity on pretty much every committee. Serving as bereavement chair brought Carolyn much joy and satisfaction, while Roane got to be pretty good at trimming and cooking beef tenderloin. Carolyn took pride in achieving Master Gardner and could be found most days working in her own garden.
Carolyn was a devoted wife to Roane and will be tremendously missed. With her wonderful character, keen intellectual insight, and seemingly endless sense of understanding and grace, she was a great friend to many. She was a devoted Christian who practiced her faith through her actions, never judging, always offering love, understanding and forgiveness. Those who knew her loved her.
Carolyn was married to the love of her life J. Roane Ruddy for 48 years. She would often say that marrying Roane was the best thing that ever happened to her. A big part of that was all of the Ruddy clan that came along with Roane. She is survived by her brother, David Marshall Craig and wife, Valerie Brett Craig, of Boone, North Carolina; brother, Charles McLay Craig and wife, Elizabeth Grogan Craig, of Driftwood, Texas; and her nine Ruddy sister and brother in-laws, Sharon and Eddie Neusel of Austin, Texas; Debbie and Fred Schwartz of Santa Fe, New Mexico; Therese Porter, of Beaumont, Texas; Christine and John Draths of Fredericksburg, Texas; Ken and Gretchen Ruddy of Houston, Texas; Erin Allare, of Tyler, Texas; Patrick Ruddy of Grapevine, Texas; Elizabeth and David Schneider of San Diego, California; Peter Ruddy of Houston, Texas; and Carolyn loved and cherished her relationships with all of her 67 nieces and nephews. Carolyn would start each week by noting whose birthday was upcoming and sending out her happy birthday wishes. She was very special and caring and never missed a birthday.
We offer gratitude to all of Carolyn’s compassionate friends who lent their support and prayers over these difficult past four weeks. Amazingly, they were also on her birthday list.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Ave., Beaumont, Texas, 77702, to St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 4090 Delaware Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706, or to Magnolia Garden Club, 148 S. Dowlen Road, #642, Beaumont, Texas 77707.
A graveside service for Mrs. Ruddy will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 27, 2026, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, with her memorial service to follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A reception will immediately follow in the Parish Hall.
Video
Graveside Service
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
- March 27, 2026
- 10:00 am
Memorial Service
St. Anne Catholic Church
- 2715, Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX, 77702,
- March 27, 2026
- 11:30 am
Roane. Just heard of Carolyn passing. I can’t express how sad it makes me. Haven’t seen her in years but I thought about her a lot. She was very kind and compassionate to me when I was going through my divorce. After I moved away she continued to send me birthday cards. She was a very special person we were all blessed to have known her. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. (You may remember me as
Guiann Parks. )
Sorry Roane ,
I wanted you to know that I appreciated the fact that I knew Carolyn during my formative years. She set such a good example of how a kind and sweet spirit could help others .She was a very special woman
I appreciate the fact that I knew Carolyn during my formative years. She set such a good example of how a kind and sweet spirit could help others and I acknowledged and appreciated that. She was a very special woman
She was always kind and treated everyone as such. I loved her way of treating everyone as special and may her memory last forever in all our hearts.
Carolyn was a sweet spirit. She was always kind and treated everyone as such. I loved her way of treating everyone as special and may her memory last forever in all our hearts.
. She was a sweet spirit. She was always kind and treated everyone as such. I loved her way of treating everyone as special and may her memory last forever in all our hearts.
Dear Roane, so very sorry about the loss of Carolyn. She was a sweet spirit. She was always kind and treated everyone as such. I loved her way of treating everyone as special.
I pray for peace and love and may her memory last forever in all our hearts.
Roane and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Carolyn’s passing. Carolyn was a wonderful friend and will be missed very much. We will keep you and your family in our prayers during this difficult time. – Tim and Nancy (Sargent) Gropp
I can’t believe what I saw this morning about Carolyn. I am so very sorry for your loss. I’ve known her since the 9th grade. She was an amazing friend to all who knew her. Praying for you all at this difficult time.
Roane, I am very sorry for the passing of one of the most beautiful people I know. Jennifer and I are praying for y’all.
So very sorry to hear this Roane. Praying for your peace and that you will feel the arms of our Lord embracing you. Love you buddy. Chris and Joyce Brammer.
What an amazing lady she was. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. Psalm 116:15 tells us, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
Roane: This is Christopher (Chris) Smith. The last time I saw you was several years ago in Colorado Springs. I have been away from Beaumont for many years, but I am kept abreast of People and Families there by dear Friends. And so, I recently learned of Carolyn’s passing. I am so very sorry. I always thought that You and Carolyn made a beautiful and well-admired couple. I truly believe that her Spirit and Memories of her will continue to be with you in heart and mind.
I met Carolyn in 3rd grade at Regina Howell. We became friends. She remembered me throughout her life with birthday and Christmas cards. I was somewhat successful at remembering; she never failed. Keeping in touch with old friends was one of her great gifts.
Peace to you, old friend. Suzanne
Roane and family,
We have always thought so highly of Carolyn, and were so sad to hear of her passing. Her kindness and beauty were transcendent; a blessing to all she encountered.
We are praying for you as you grieve, and live in hope that lovely memories of dear Carolyn bring sweet comfort in the days to come.
Love,
Sherry & Tommy Goth
Roane
So sorry for your loss and God bless the Ruddy and Craig families. Carolyn is resting in peace without any pain and suffering knowing the love and support she gave to all that knew her.
God bless
Dear Roane,
We cherish the memories of all the love and friendship we shared with Carolyn. She was the sweetest and most caring friend. We extend our deepest sympathy to you, Therese and your entire family. We have been blessed to share so many great times together over the years. With love and prayers for comfort… Jack and Susan
Dear Roane,
We are so very sorry about the loss of Carolyn. She was a true classy lady. She always made everyone feel so special.
We will miss her and pray for God to cradle you in his loving arms of peace and love.
Blessings
I am so sorry for your loss. Carolyn was such a kind, sweet lady. I was on committees with her in Junior League. She was one of a kind. May her memory be eternal.
Candace Cribbs LeMasters
So sorry to hear this Roane. We are praying for your peace and that you will feel our Lords arms embracing you. Love you buddy. Chris and Joyce Brammer.
Carolyn always had a kind heart, a sweet smile and a heart for giving. You will be missed.
Rest in peace cousin.
Roane – my heart hurts for you and the Craig & Ruddy families. May God wrap you all in His arms of comfort as you grieve the loss of your beautiful, kind Carolyn.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Sorry for your loss.
Gods Peace to the families ✝️❤️🙏🏻
Roan,
We can’t even begin to express the Sadness we’re feeling for Carolyn’s passing. She is such a Wonderful Woman with a Beautiful Soul. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Carolyn was one of the kindest souls I have ever met. Condolences to Roane and both families
🙏🙏. Thoughts and prayers to both families.
I am so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, Carolyn.
So very sad to read of Carolyn’s passing. Prayers and condolences to Roane and family.
Carolyn was a kind spirit I knew her Jr High & later from the gym. My condolences to Roane a lifelong friend. God Bless!
Roane and the entire Ruddy and Craig families, I was so saddened to learn of Carolyn’s passing. Carolyn has always been the kindest and most sincere person. I always enjoyed our visits long after our years of working together for the Junior League. I am keeping you all close in my thoughts and prayers.
IMAGINE
Stepping onto a shore and finding it heaven
IMAGINE
taking hold of a hand and finding it God’s hand
IMAGINE
breathing new air and finding it celestial air
IMAGINE
feeling invigorated and finding it immortality
IMAGINE
passing from storm & tempest to an unknown calm
IMAGINE
walking and finding it home (author unknown)
Roane and family, prayers along with my deepest sympathy. Carolyn was loved by all and was a dear childhood friend that I will hold fondly in my heart. God Speed.
Roane, and the Craig & Ruddy families,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of Carolyn. I’m so sorry for your loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Casey Meyers