HIGGINS, Polly (Ruth)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Polly "Ruth" Higgins, 96, passed away peacefully Sept. 28, 2010, with her family at her side in Prescott, Ariz. A devoted mother, grandmother and wife, Ruth was born in Prairie Grove, Ark., Sept. 20, 1914. Born to Fred and Eula Merriman, she was one of eight children. Ruth attended high school in Lenapah, Okla. It was there she met the love of her life, J.W. "Bill" Higgins, and they were married in 1932. Bill and Ruth were married for 66 years until Bill's passing in 1998. Ruth and Bill moved to find work in 1934 from Oklahoma to Prescott, where they raised four children and lived the rest of their lives. Ruth was a lifelong homemaker and was loved by all who came to know her. Ruth and Bill both were avid square dancers, active members of the Moose Lodge and Smoki People. Ruth also enjoyed sewing and cooking, and was happiest surrounded by family and friends. Mrs. Higgins is survived by three daughters, Myra Boyer-Turner, Carolyn (Jim) Geiler and Mary (Clark) Moskop; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Brady and Bill Merriman. Mrs. Higgins was preceded in death by husband Bill and son Ronald. A visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, 2010, at Hampton Funeral Home, 240 S. Cortez St. in Prescott. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at Hampton Funeral Home with burial to follow at Mt. View Cemetery. Please visit www.hamptonfuneralhome.com to sign Ruth's guest book. Hampton Funeral Home assisted the family. Information provided by survivors.