Mary Ruth Maxfield Hull

TYLER — Mary Ruth Maxfield Hull of Tyler, Texas, passed away Friday, March 7, 2025, at the young age of 95. Born in Shidler, OK where her father worked for Sinclair Oil Co., the family transferred to Texas when Ruth was in the eighth grade. After graduating Gaston High School, she graduated from Howard Payne University with a bachelor’s degree and received her master’s degree from East Texas State University (East Texas A&M University – Commerce).

Her first teaching job was in Malakoff, TX, where she met her husband, Herbert.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Hull, whom she was married to for 52 years upon his death in 2004; her sister, Dorothy Hymer; her niece, Rhonda Lisa Hymer; and her parents, Sydney & Nancy Alice Maxfield.

She leaves behind her niece, Nancy Hymer Frazier of Flint; her nephew Stephen Hymer & Shelly of Phoenix, AZ; her great nieces Amanda Gilliand of Overton & Sydney Erickson of Dallas; her great nephew William Frazier & Stephanie of White Oak; her great-great nieces and nephews, Lauren Hines and Harper Rice of Overton, Miranda and Caleb Frazier of White Oak and Joshua Frazier of Salt Lake City, UT and great-great-great niece born on Thanksgiving Day, 2024, Emersyn Hines of Overton.

A math teacher for thirty-five years at Hogg Junior High and then Hubbard Junior High, she frequently encountered former students. Ruth taught several generations of families in Tyler.

She was a lifetime member of Delta Kappa Gamma chapter Zeta Gamma and served in many capacities.

First Baptist Church was her second home, and she enjoyed volunteering to bake cookies, sewing and working in the rec center. For many years she sang in the choir and played the handbells. A skilled seamstress, she sewed most of her own clothes, sports jackets for Herbert and clothing for her nieces.

Ruth and Herbert traveled in their camper for many years. Colorado was their favorite destination, but they also took trips for education purposes, furthering their skills as teachers. Always with them was their beloved dog, Daffy, and later Daffy 2.

A faithful Christian, a loving wife, a devoted daughter and sister, and a priceless aunt to the nieces and nephews she leaves behind, Ruth will be mourned and missed.

A private burial at Cathedral in the Pines will be held in a few days.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Tyler.