Mary Ruth Blanton

Mary Ruth Blanton, age 86, died on August 4, 2023, in Arlington, Texas after a lengthy illness. She was born January 25, 1937, in New Orleans, Louisiana to parents Walter Virden, Jr. and Mary Anderson Virden.

In 1953 the family, which then included younger siblings Ethelyn and Walter III, moved to Dallas. Mary Ruth graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, attended business college, and then worked for an insurance company in Dallas.

She was married to Keith G Blanton and lived in Richardson for many years. They had three sons Bruce, Paul, and Mark Blanton. When the children were younger, she was a stay-at-home mom. Later she worked as a private nanny and was on staff in the nursery of a large Dallas church.

She and son Mark moved to Arlington four years ago to be closer to family.

She loved to cook, sew, do family genealogy research, and work crossword puzzles. She loved music, especially “old time” rock n’ roll,” singing church hymns, and was an expert at TV trivia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister Ethelyn Fisher. She is survived by sons Bruce (Dallas), Paul (Fort Lauderdale) and Mark (Arlington) and brother Walter Virden, III.

Funeral Service:   Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 10 am

                                   Saint Mark’s Church, 2024 S Collins St.

                                   Arlington, TX 76010

Reception following in Kennedy Hall.

For those desiring, donations may be made to Tarrant County Meals on Wheels, Saint Mark’s Church Memorial Fund, or charity of your choice.