Ruth Elizabeth Green

Ruth Elizabeth Nelson Green went home to rest in the arms of Jesus on March 12, 2022. Ruth’s trust in the Lord was the cornerstone of her life and her most fervent desire was for everyone she met to know the grace and mercy of God’s love. Though deeply saddened by her loss, Ruth’s family is rejoicing in the knowledge that Ruth has been healed and that her acceptance of Jesus as her Lord and Savior has been rewarded with eternal life in the presence of God.

Ruth was born on May 6, 1942, in Marshall, Texas to Lloyd Cecil Nelson and Katie Boyter Nelson. The family moved to Shreveport, Louisiana when she was a young child. Ruth was a gifted musician who played both the flute and the piano. Beginning at the age of 15 at Ingleside Baptist Church in Shreveport, Ruth used her musical talent to serve God as a church pianist. After marrying Bobby Jack Green in 1962 and moving to Lake Charles, she became the pianist at Trinity Baptist Church where she served for 28 years before she and Bobby moved to Rock Springs, Wyoming. In Rock Springs, Ruth served as the church pianist and Director of Music for 4 years. When Ruth and Bobby moved back to Lake Charles in 1994, Ruth became the pianist at Sale Street Baptist Church, serving until her retirement in 2019.

Ruth was blessed with a beautiful soprano voice. She earned a vocal music scholarship to Centenary College where she was a member of the world-renowned Centenary Choir. Throughout her life, Ruth used her vocal gift to praise God as a soloist, member of the church choir, and director of youth and adult choirs. One of her greatest joys was singing at Christmas Eve services with her daughter, Janet Green Ritchie, who inherited Ruth’s beautiful voice.

In addition to her position as church pianist and dedicated choir member, Ruth was a devoted elementary and middle school teacher. She taught a variety of subjects, including science, math, and reading at schools in Jennings, LA, Rock Springs, WY, and in Calcasieu Parish. Ruth also taught Sunday School and served as Director of Women’s Missionary Union at Trinity.

Ruth was an avid sports fan, particularly LSU football, baseball, and men’s and women’s basketball. She almost always had the loudest voice in the house while cheering on her Tigers. Even from her hospital bed, Ruth insisted on watching LSU baseball on her iPad. She also loved watching the Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ruth never played golf and she never rode a bull, but she loved to watch golf and pro bull riding on TV.

Left to cherish Ruth’s life is her husband of 60 years, Bobby Jack Green and her children, David B. Green (Zina), Karen M. Green, and Janet Green Ritchie (David). Ruth’s beloved grandchildren include Andrew Green (June), Sam Green (Gabrielle), Grace Green, Max Fetzer, Ford Fetzer (Jewel), Eleanor Fetzer, David Ritchie II (Abbie), Jackson Ritchie (Laken), and Annaliese Ritchie. Ruth was blessed with seven beautiful great-grandchildren. Ruth is also survived by her brother, Lloyd Nelson.

A celebration of God’s love for Ruth will be held at Trinity Baptist Church North Venue at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, March 16, 2022 with a private burial to follow at a later date. Visitation will be at the church from 12:00 Noon until the start of the service.

In lieu of flowers, Ruth’s family respectfully requests that a donation to Samaritan’s Purse be considered.