Ruth Law Brickley

How does one write about the life of the woman that raised them when it will be told through a single person’s perspective? Impossible, so multiple hands will contribute to this missive.

Ruth Law Brickley – a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, companion and friend – was a capable, complex and talented woman. Having moved from her birth home and family in Clearfield, Pennsylvania to Texas with her young children and husband, she coped as best she could, finding solace in her faith. Her family grew to six children: Bonnie, Mary Clare, Bobby, Bootsie, Eric and Bridget. She bent but held when her husband, Harold, and both sons left before her. And now she has done so to her daughters and their children: Heather, Chris, Shannon, Lee, Jessica, Sara, Keaton, Jude, Reid, Carsyn and Heaven and their spouses and children: Dani (W), Holly (W), Corey (H), Ryan (H), Cory (H), Merrick, Aiden, Aidan, Slade, and Tinley. This inevitable step of life is painfully difficult, but the burden was endurable because of the shared strength and bond of the remaining siblings. It would be an offense to minimize the help from their spouses Bob, Melvin and Gordon without which this ordeal would have been immeasurably more arduous.

This is the opportunity to say what speaks to each of us. It could not have been an easy undertaking to raise six children and credit should be given where it is due. She fed and clothed all six of us and a husband on a tight budget by relying on her own abundant abilities. Mom had many talents but one that I always and still do envy was her artistry. She could and most times did paint or draw just about anything. This she was still doing up to the very last. These paintings will be cherished as they are eventually passed on to their new homes. I was not fortunate to go with the family when daddy took a job in Singapore, but mom packed up the remaining four kids and off she flew with them in tow to join him. Living overseas for several years before returning to live in Lumberton. She was definitely a confident, capable and formidable woman. Ruth also took on the challenge of starting a small business later in life that helped many of the local school groups and businesses. Piney Woods Studio was a screen-printing shop where she worked with her daughter Mary Clare and a few shop cats creating t-shirts and other items to promote businesses and school spirit among other things.

Mom was an excellent seamstress. She made all our formals usually without a pattern. She would say draw a picture of what you want! It was always what we asked for and it fit perfectly. The one problem was her being a terrible procrastinator, waiting till the day of the event to cut it out. Trying to iron the hem as you are walking out the door!

Mom was also known as a talented vocalist which was a skill she did not pass down to any of her children. She loved spending time practicing with the choir at both Infant Jesus Catholic Church in Lumberton and St. Pius Catholic Church in Beaumont. Over the years she was asked to sing as a soloist for numerous weddings and funerals. She became a parishioner at Infant Jesus Church in 1972. She was an active member of numerous ministries throughout the years but serving as the CYO Director gave her the most joy. Adults still approached her to thank her for the guidance she showed them in developing their Catholic faith.

As a 50-year member of the Women’s Club of Beaumont, you could often find her involved in one of their musicals, Christmas shows or luncheons.

Ruth’s talents were endless, she was an avid baker and chef, skills she developed from traveling the world with Harold’s jobs. She mastered many different types of cuisine from Chinese to hand made pizza. Meals could prove to be an adventure. She could bake the best pumpkin and cherry pies often making an extra for Bobby who would hide it in his room. Then there were the tiered wedding cakes professionally decorated. I repeat and confirm the fact that mom was truly gifted and could do anything she set her mind to, but it was usually being completed at the last minute.

Mom lived an exceptionally long and fulfilling life and she moved on within her own terms. She will be missed.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705; The Women’s Club of Beaumont, 575 Magnolia Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77701; or Infant Jesus Catholic Church Choir, 243 South LHS Drive, Lumberton, Texas 77657.

A gathering of Mrs. Brickley’s family and friend will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 29, 2024, Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 1, 2024, at Infant Jesus Catholic Church, 243 South LHS Drive, Lumberton. Her cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, Beaumont.