Lily "Ruth" Egert

With deep sadness, the family of Lily Ruth (Mercer) Egert, announce that her earthly journey ended May 2, 2024, at the age of 94. She has joined her Savior Jesus Christ and beloved husband, Philip D. Egert in heaven. Born July 1, 1929, in Oklahoma City to Charles and Lottie Belle Mercer, she was the 6th of seven children. In June 1953, Ruth married 1st Lieutenant Philip D. Egert, US. Army, who had recently returned from service in the Korean Conflict. The couple were married for 45 years, and raised two sons, Philip R. Egert, Ph.D., and Chester C. Egert, (Chaplain, Colonel, US Army, Ret.). Ruth was a devoted military wife who traveled around the world, sharing Christ with everyone she met. Together they lived in Germany, and Panama, with stateside service at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Fort Hood and Fort Bliss, Texas and Fort Monroe, Virginia. During and following Philip’s retirement from the Army, Ruth was a dedicated executive secretary for several Christian ministries, Christian Broadcasting Network in Portsmouth, Virginia and the PTL Network in Charlotte, North Carolina. There she touched the lives of many through her work. Her commanding personality and outgoing nature made her an influential figure in the lives of those around her, and she formed many meaningful connections throughout her life. Ruth had a heart for service and volunteer work. She led women’s ministries, taught Sunday School, led youth ministries and was active in veteran’s work with Philip in the Disable American Veteran’s Association, Korean Veteran’s Association, Purple Heart Association and other groups. Until recent years, she was an active Auxiliary member of the Grove, Oklahoma DAV, Chapter 19. In her free time, Ruth loved playing her accordion in church and in the past, had entertained soldiers in Germany and Panama and numerous veteran’s homes. She had a love for music and used it as a way to spread joy to those around her. Ruth was also a consummate correspondent and some years sent out over 800 Christmas cards to friends and relatives. While Philip was a professional photographer, she was the family historian and with him captured thousands of photos of family events and their travels, which included every continent accept South America. She never tired of documenting these events and produced numerous photo albums for members of the family. Lily will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in the arms of her Savior. She is pre-deceased by her parents, husband, and siblings, as well as her son, Philip R. Egert. Left to cherish her memory, son Chester (Rhoda) Egert, of Grove, Oklahoma, daughter-in-law, Marie Millan Egert of Chesapeake, Va, granddaughters Kristina Durene (fiancé’ Rick Tison), Elena (Cameron) LaVallie, both of Fort Worth, Texas and Alexandra (Dr. Ian) Clark, of Chesapeake, Virginia, seven great-grandchildren, Liam and Jonathan Durene, and Asher, Uriah, Cosette, Malachi and Harvest LaVallie, her brother-in-law, Harlen Core (LaDonna) of Oklahoma City, sister-in-law, Elinor Egert of Ocala, Florida and numerous nephews, nieces and extended family. Ruth was a lifelong member of the Assemblies of God, and member of Grand Lake Faith Fellowship. She spent her last years at Grandwood Assisted Living in Grove, Oklahoma where she was surrounded by a wonderful team of nurses and staff. Her life was a portrait of service to Jesus Christ and others and her legacy lives on through her children and numerous friends. Services will be at 10am Friday, May 17, 2024 at Nichol-Stephens Funeral Chapel, Grove, Ok and interment at Resthaven Cemetery in Oklahoma City to follow at 3:30. Donations made be made in her honor to the Christian Broadcasting Network @cbn.com or Disabled American Veterans, @dav.org.

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Lily "Ruth" Egert

July 1, 1929 - May 2, 2024