Ruth Elaine Ardis was born September 18, 1937, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, to Dora Bernice (Taylor) Ardis and John Arch "Jack" Ardis.  She had one older brother, Jack.  She spent her entire childhood in the little house on Fore Street, growing up with many Ardis relatives nearby.  Her lifelong friend Helen Panos lived right across the street.

Ruth met Paul Gene Dennis on a blind date. Paul was attending East Texas State in Commerce but soon joined Ruth at North Texas State (now the University of North Texas) in Denton. They married on June 20, 1959, shortly after Ruth's graduation. After marrying, they lived in Port Arthur and then in Gladewater. Their only son, David, was born in June 1961.

In 1964, Paul and Ruth moved to Garland, where they bought a new house on Dartmouth Street.  This is where Ruth would live the rest of her life. Sadly, Paul passed away in 1985 from coronary artery disease.

Ruth taught school in Garland for over 30 years, starting at Handley Elementary, then Walnut Glen Elementary, and finishing her career teaching third grade at Luna Elementary.  She touched many lives with her kindness, and many of her former students fondly remember "Mrs. Dennis." She earned a master's degree in education from Stephen F. Austin University and continued to teach until she retired in 1995.

Ruth loved to travel and made many trips with her beloved cousin, Eddie Ardis, who owned a travel agency.  Her friend Helen was also a travel agent, and Ruth often traveled with her as well.   It was on one of these trips that she met Joe Barbi, their tour bus driver, who became her second husband in 1996.  Joe called Ruth his "Sunshine," and they enjoyed 25 years together.  She and Joe traveled to destinations such as Switzerland, Alaska, and Hawaii.  In later years, when they could not go so far from home, they still enjoyed driving to Branson or even to the casino in Choctaw, Oklahoma, for the day.  Joe passed away in 2021.

While Ruth did not have any biological grandchildren, she loved her husband Joe's grandchildren, Megan, Stephanie, and Michael, and followed their accomplishments with pride.  She also loved her son's stepchildren, Claire, Sam, and Mary Grace, and they will miss her presence in their lives.  And, of course, she loved her "grand-dog," Jake, and gave him too many treats when he came to visit.

During the last months of her life, Ruth lived at Oxford Grand Assisted Living in McKinney.  For a brief time, her friend Helen also lived in Oxford. Ruth's family would like to thank the staff members at Oxford Grand for their care of her during this time.