Lillian Browning

Ruth Browning September 20, 1923 – May 17, 2025

With deep gratitude and heavy hearts, we celebrate the remarkable life of Ruth Browning, who was promoted to eternity with Jesus on May 17, 2025, at the age of 101. A devoted educator, cherished wife, beloved mother, and tireless community servant, Ruth’s unwavering dedication to teaching, volunteering, and enriching the lives of those around her leaves behind an inspiring legacy of compassion, service, and love.

Born on September 20, 1923, in Gilbert, West Virginia, Ruth was the daughter of Dr. Rufus Maurice Musick and Frances Coy Musick. She graduated from Gilbert High School in 1942 and pursued her passion for education, earning an associate’s degree in teaching from Marshall University.

In 1947 she married Charles Dorsel Browning, Sr., and together they built a beautiful life raising two children, Paula Dorthea and Charles Dorsel Jr. In 1958 the Browning family relocated to Socorro, New Mexico and later to Roswell, New Mexico, where Ruth’s dedication to education flourished.

Shortly after moving to Roswell, she began teaching at Walker Air Force Base before transitioning to Berendo Middle School, where she taught U.S. History for twenty-two years. She had a gift for bringing history to life through her innovative History Musicals, a program that gained national recognition and left a lasting impact on her students. She was also honored with the prestigious Valley Forge Freedom Foundation Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the cause of liberty and patriotism. During her tenure in Roswell, Ruth earned a Bachelor’s in Education from Eastern New Mexico University. After thirty-nine years of shaping young minds, she retired from teaching in 1988.

Her service did not end in the classroom. Following retirement, Ruth devoted herself to volunteering with the Eastern New Mexico Medical Center Auxiliary managing the hospital’s gift shop for three decades. Her dedication placed her among the top volunteers in the state, making her one of the strongest contenders for the distinction of accumulating the most volunteer hours by an individual in New Mexico. In recognition of her extraordinary commitment, the hospital honored her by renaming the shop Ruth’s Gifts and Coffee.

She was a devoted wife to Charles Dorsel Browning, Sr., who preceded her in death after sixty-two years of marriage. She was also preceded by her beloved son-in-law, Danny Camp; her cherished brothers, Everett Musick, Elwood Musick, and Maurice Musick; her dear sisters, Frances Musick, Bobby Lester, and Sue Rhodes; her loving sisters-in-law, Sarah Ellis and Mary Musick; and her devoted brothers-in-law, Bill Lester and Dave Williams. Their memories remained woven into the fabric of her heart, a testament to the deep love and connection they shared.

She is lovingly survived by her sister, Virginia Williams, and brother, Ronnie Ellis, as well as her sister-in-law, Doris Musick. She is also survived by her daughter Paula Camp of Roswell, New Mexico; her son Charles Browning of New Braunfels, Texas; and her daughter-in-law Swanee Browning of New Braunfels, Texas.

Ruth was a proud grandmother to Ty Camp (wife Sarah) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Scarlett Kiowski (husband Ben) of Wimberley, Texas; Shannon Camp of Lubbock, Texas; Charles Emmett Browning of New Braunfels, Texas; and Amanda Browning of Canyon Lake, Texas. She cherished each of her twelve beautiful great-grandchildren, embracing them with a love that knew no bounds. Her warmth extended not only to them but also to her numerous nieces and nephews whom she held dear with unwavering affection.

Ruth’s generosity, wisdom, and love touched countless lives. Her legacy of education, compassion, and community service stands as a testament to a life beautifully lived. To her family she was known as Mom, Nanny, and Gigi—a beloved matriarch whose kindness and spirit will continue to guide those she loved. She will be deeply missed, but her impact will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Honorary pallbearers include grandsons Ty Camp, Charlie Browning, and Ben Kiowski, as well as nephews Kendall Buzard, Terry Rhodes, and Todd Rhodes.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mary Beth Lawrence and the dedicated staff at Peachtree Retirement Community as well as Melissa Smith from Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care. A special thank you to Gabby Ramirez, whose companionship and kindness brought comfort and joy.

A service to honor Ruth’s life will be held on June 11th at 10:00 AM at La Grone Funeral Home. All who loved Ruth are warmly invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ruth’s honor to the ENMMC Auxiliary Scholarship Fund at 405 W Country Club Rd., Roswell, NM 88201.