Ruth (Meeks) Carpenter, who served as general director of the Women’s Missionary Society for The Wesleyan Church from 1972 until 1976, passed away in Brooksville, Fla., on November 4, 2014, following complications from a recent stroke. She was 87.
She was born to missionary parents in India and lived there as a child. She was also raised in the U.S. as her parents pastored churches in Illinois and Missouri. She graduated from the high school division of Owosso Bible College in Owosso, Mich., and Frankfort Pilgrim College in Frankfort, Ind., with a bachelor’s degree.
Ruth held various positions in full-time Christian ministry throughout her lifetime, including the leading of the Women’s Missionary Society for The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters. She was a lifelong member of The Wesleyan Church.
She married P.O. Carpenter in 1973 and pastored alongside him during 15 years of marriage. Ruth also assisted him during his time as a full-time evangelist. She was preceded in death by her husband, one sister, and a stepdaughter. Survivors include one sister, Virginia (Wayne) Wright, one brother, Rev. Paul Meeks, one step-granddaughter, and two step-grandsons.
Memorials may be made in Ruth’s name to Global Partners, The Wesleyan Church Headquarters, P.O. Box 50434, Indianapolis, IN 46250.
