Ruth Ann Stallings named 2012 Distinguished Alumna

Published or Revised September 28, 2012

Ruth Ann (Jack) Stallings has been selected as the 2012 Distinguished Alumna for Paris Junior College, according to Dr. Pamela Anglin, PJC president. She will be honored at the PJC Alumni Awards Luncheon at noon on Nov. 3 at the Love Civic Center. In addition, an endowment has been established in her honor. "Few women have done as much and been as successful and gone about it as quietly and humbly as Ruth Ann Stallings," Dr. Anglin said. "This is our opportunity to recognize and honor Mrs. Stallings for her accomplishments." A native Parisian, Ruth Ann was the daughter of the late Ollie and Bertha Hudgens Jack of Paris. She had two brothers, James, who is deceased, and Ollie Jr. and wife Gloria, who live in Dallas. She also has a "special sister," Martha McGinty, who grew up as part of the Jack family. As a student, the 1955 PJC graduate received numerous awards and recognition. Ruth Ann was involved in Phi Theta Kappa National Junior College Honor Society; Pen Chat Study Club, a literary organization; served as the assistant editor student newspaper, [i]The Bat[/i]; played in the PJC Band; and was named as a Junior Business Woman, Student Council Representative and Homecoming Queen. She also conducted many book reviews and devotionals. In addition to her activities at PJC, Ruth Ann worked for renowned Paris High School band directors Floyd and Irene Weger as office manager while earning her bachelor's degree in elementary education, [i]cum laude[/i], and teaching certificate from then East Texas State Teacher's College at the age of 20. There, and in college, Ruth Ann gained her appreciation for the musical arts and looked to the Wegers as a model for married life. Following her marriage to Gene 'Bebes' Stallings in 1956, she began her teaching career in the Bryan School District. Ruth Ann and Gene are the proud parents of five children and 10 grandchildren. The family includes: Anna Lee and husband, Dr. Tim Young; Laurie and husband, Dr. David Vanderpool; Jackie and husband, John Chalk; Martha Kate and husband, Keith Gunn; and John Mark Stallings, who won the world with his smile, never met a stranger, and passed away Aug. 2, 2008. Throughout their courtship and 56 years of marriage thus far, Ruth Ann brought her ever-present smile to making each location home as Gene earned his stripes as assistant coach under Bear Bryant at Alabama, head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies at College Station, assistant coach of the Dallas Cowboys, and later as head coach of the St. Louis Cardinals (that became the Phoenix Cardinals). The Stallings family returned to the University of Alabama when Gene took the role of head football coach. That chapter eventually led to the perfect retirement ending for Ruth Ann, Gene and Johnny as they returned to their true love, Hike-a-way Ranch in Powderly. During their time in the Metroplex, Ruth Ann served as president of the elementary, junior high and high school Parent-Teacher Associations and led the 15,000-20,000-member Richardson (Texas) City Council of PTAs. She has served on the boards of and been active in the United Cerebral Palsy, American Heart Association, Mental Health Association, United Ways of Dallas and Tuscaloosa, Ala., Association of Retarded Citizens, University Pre-School, co-chaired the Tuscaloosa Association of Retarded Citizens Golf Tournament that raised over $600,000, and was a part of the Children's Museum Board. Still active as a member of Lamar Avenue Church of Christ, Ruth Ann has been a much sought after speaker at church women's seminars, retreats and Bible lectureships and she has taught Bible classes for many years. She is also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Daughters of the Republic of Texas. "Ruth Ann is the epitome of a servant leader," said Dr. Anglin, "and Paris Junior College is proud to honor her as our 2012 Distinguished Alumna." For luncheon or endowment information, or to make reservations, contact Paris Junior College's Office of Institutional Advancement at 903-782-0276 or www.parisjc.edu/alumni .